Dipole Deformations of N=1 SYM and Supergravity backgrounds with U(1) X U(1) global symmetry

TL;DR

This work establishes that $SL(3,R)$ deformations of type IIB backgrounds with $U(1)\times U(1)$ isometries implement dipole deformations in the dual field theories. When applied to the Maldacena–Nunez ${\cal N}=1$ and Gauntlett–Maldacena–Gauntlett ${\cal N}=2$ constructions, the real part of the deformation ($\gamma$) preserves regularity and primarily shifts the KK sector—increasing KK masses and reducing their coupling to the 4D gauge sector—while leaving pure gauge observables (e.g., confinement scale, beta function) largely unchanged. Imaginary deformations tend to induce singular geometries and are generally disregarded for gravity computations. PP-wave analyses confirm that KK dynamics are nontrivially modified, consistent with improved decoupling, and the framework suggests a path to exploring non-supersymmetric YM-like theories from singular backgrounds. Collectively, the paper provides evidence that dipole deformations can selectively tailor KK physics without compromising gauge dynamics, offering a controlled route to refine holographic descriptions of confining gauge theories.

Abstract

We study SL(3,R) deformations of a type IIB background based on D5 branes that is conjectured to be dual to N=1 SYM. We argue that this deformation of the geometry correspond to turning on a dipole deformation in the field theory on the D5 branes. We give evidence that this deformation only affects the KK-sector of the dual field theory and helps decoupling the KK dynamics from the pure gauge dynamics. Similar deformations of the geometry that is dual to N=2 SYM are studied. Finally, we also study a deformation that leaves us with a possible candidate for a dual to N=0 YM theory.