Generalized Global Symmetries and Quantum Gravity

Abstract

Generalized global symmetries are global symmetries whose parameter is a p-form, rather than a scalar. Just like ordinary global symmetries, they must be gauged or broken when coupled to quantum gravity. In this talk, the speaker will introduce generalized global symmetries, along with some examples, and illustrate how they are usually (but not always) broken by charged objects in many examples. Whenever these objects are not present, researchers are forced to break the symmetries otherwise. The speaker conjectures in this case that the breaking requires the presence of specific Chern-Simons terms in the action. This conjecture is verified in several stringy examples, and puts several seemingly consistent theories, such as four-dimensional Maxwell+gravity+WGC particles, or (modulo some caveats) pure gravity in AdS3, in the Swampland. 

About the program

For more information, please refer to the program website http://iasprogram.ust.hk/particle_theory for details.