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Deconstructing (2,0) and Little String Theories

Nima Arkani-Hamed, Andrew G. Cohen, David B. Kaplan, Andreas Karch, Lubos Motl

TL;DR

This work shows that carefully engineered four-dimensional N=2 and N=1 theory spaces, when taken to large-N Higgs branches, naturally deconstruct extra dimensions and reproduce six-dimensional theories. By embedding these theories in orbifold string setups and leveraging S- and T-dualities, the authors identify KK and winding spectra corresponding to a (2,0)_k SCFT on T^2 and to (1,1) little string theory, with finite lattice spacings acting as discretizations. They further explore the possibility of deconstructing M-theory via non-gravitational little strings, outlining a pathway to connect four-dimensional field theories to higher-dimensional and gravitational frameworks. The results illuminate the deep ties between theory-space constructions, string dualities, and higher-dimensional UV completions, offering new angles on non-perturbative dynamics and potential avenues for beyond-Standard-Model physics.

Abstract

We argue that two four-dimensional strongly coupled superconformal field theories, on the Higgs branch in certain large N limits, become respectively (2,0) theory and (1,1) little string theory in six dimensions. We identify the spectrum of states responsible for the generation of the two extra dimensions and string winding modes. We establish the equivalence using orbifold realizations of the field theories and exploiting string dualities. We also speculate on deconstructions of M-theory.

Deconstructing (2,0) and Little String Theories

TL;DR

This work shows that carefully engineered four-dimensional N=2 and N=1 theory spaces, when taken to large-N Higgs branches, naturally deconstruct extra dimensions and reproduce six-dimensional theories. By embedding these theories in orbifold string setups and leveraging S- and T-dualities, the authors identify KK and winding spectra corresponding to a (2,0)_k SCFT on T^2 and to (1,1) little string theory, with finite lattice spacings acting as discretizations. They further explore the possibility of deconstructing M-theory via non-gravitational little strings, outlining a pathway to connect four-dimensional field theories to higher-dimensional and gravitational frameworks. The results illuminate the deep ties between theory-space constructions, string dualities, and higher-dimensional UV completions, offering new angles on non-perturbative dynamics and potential avenues for beyond-Standard-Model physics.

Abstract

We argue that two four-dimensional strongly coupled superconformal field theories, on the Higgs branch in certain large N limits, become respectively (2,0) theory and (1,1) little string theory in six dimensions. We identify the spectrum of states responsible for the generation of the two extra dimensions and string winding modes. We establish the equivalence using orbifold realizations of the field theories and exploiting string dualities. We also speculate on deconstructions of M-theory.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 8 sections, 7 equations, 4 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Superconformal Deconstruction and Spectra
  3. String Theory Analysis
  4. Orbifolds for Quivers
  5. The $(2,0)$ theory
  6. Little String Theory
  7. Deconstructing M-theory?
  8. Conclusions and Discussion

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Theory space for an $SU(k)^N$ model.
  • Figure 2: Theory space for the $\mathbb{Z}_{N_5} \times \mathbb{Z}_{N_6}$ quiver gauge theory.
  • Figure 3: The W-bosons of the quiver gauge theory from strings stretched between D-branes and their mirror images under the orbifold action.
  • Figure 4: