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Defects in conformal field theories are interesting objects to study from both formal and applied points of view. In this paper, we construct conformal defects in free scalar field CFTs in diverse dimensions. After discussing the possible…
We consider a free Maxwell field in four dimensions in the presence of a codimension two defect. Reflection positive, codimension two defects which preserve conformal symmetry in this context are very limited. We show only generalized free…
Conformal field theory finds applications across diverse fields, from statistical systems at criticality to quantum gravity through the AdS/CFT correspondence. These theories are subject to strong constraints, enabling a systematic…
The theory of a massless two-dimensional scalar field with a periodic boundary interaction is considered. At a critical value of the period this system defines a conformal field theory and can be re-expressed in terms of free fermions,…
Scalar-fermion models, such as the Gross-Neveu-Yukawa model, admit natural $1d$ defects given by the exponential of a scalar field integrated along a straight line. In $4-\varepsilon$ dimensions the defect coupling is weakly relevant and…
For a single free scalar field in $d \geq 2$ dimensions, almost all the unitary conformal defects must be `trivial' in the sense that they cannot hold interesting dynamics. The only possible exceptions are monodromy defects in $d \geq 4$…
We construct an effective field theory for fusion of conformal defects of any codimension in $d\geq 3$ conformal field theories. We fully solve the constraints of Weyl invariance for defects of arbitrary shape on general curved bulk…
We study line defects with a cusp in fermionic CFTs arising as fixed points of scalar-fermion theories with Yukawa interactions. These include the Gross-Neveu-Yukawa model and some of its generalizations with additional scalar fields, which…
The trace anomaly for a conformally invariant scalar field theory on a curved manifold of positive constant curvature with boundary is considered. In the context of a perturbative evaluation of the theory's effective action explicit…
Symmetries corresponding to local transformations of the fundamental fields that leave the action invariant give rise to (invertible) topological defects, which obey group-like fusion rules. One can construct more general (codimension-one)…
We study four-dimensional gauge theories coupled to fermions in the fundamental and meson-like scalars. All requisite beta functions are provided for general gauge group and fermion representation. In the regime where asymptotic freedom is…
We study various aspects of codimension one defects in free scalar field theory, with particular emphasis on line defects in two-dimensions. These defects are generically non-conformal, but include conformal and topological defects as…
We study quantum fluctuations of a free massless scalar field during inflation in the presence of a point, line, or plane defect such as a black hole, cosmic string, or domain wall, using a perturbative expansion in powers of small defect…
We investigate the high temperature fate of four dimensional gauge-Yukawa theories featuring short distance conformality of either interacting or non-interacting nature. The latter is known as complete asymptotic freedom and, as templates,…
We build two-dimensional quantum field theories on spin surfaces starting from theories on oriented surfaces with networks of topological defect lines and junctions. The construction uses a combinatorial description of the spin structure in…
We explore the connection between the global symmetry quantum numbers of line defects and 't Hooft anomalies. Relative to local (point) operators, line defects may transform projectively under both internal and spacetime symmetries. This…
We consider a higher derivative scalar field theory in the presence of a boundary and a classically marginal interaction. We first investigate the free limit where the scalar obeys the square of the Klein-Gordon equation. In precisely $d=6$…
We consider two conformal defects close to each other in a free theory, and study what happens as the distance between them goes to zero. This limit is the same as zooming out, and the two defects have fused to another defect. As we zoom in…
We study relativistic fermions in three euclidean dimensions with four- and six-fermion interactions of the Gross-Neveu type. In the limit of many fermion flavors, and besides the isolated free fixed point, the theory displays a line of…
There is a dilemma in constructing interacting scale invariant but not conformal invariant Euclidean field theories. On one hand, scale invariance without conformal invariance seems more generic by requiring only a smaller symmetry. On the…