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Chiral Scale and Conformal Invariance in 2D Quantum Field Theory

Diego M. Hofman and Andrew Strominger
Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 161601 – Published 13 October 2011
Physics logo See Synopsis: When Symmetries Conform to Theories

Abstract

It is well known that a local, unitary Poincaré-invariant 2D quantum field theory with a global scaling symmetry and a discrete non-negative spectrum of scaling dimensions necessarily has both a left and a right local conformal symmetry. In this Letter, we consider a chiral situation beginning with only a left global scaling symmetry and do not assume Lorentz invariance. We find that a left conformal symmetry is still implied, while right translations are enhanced either to a right conformal symmetry or a left U(1) Kac-Moody symmetry.

  • Received 17 August 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.161601

© 2011 American Physical Society

Synopsis

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When Symmetries Conform to Theories

Published 14 October 2011

Theorists gain insight into mechanisms that enhance the available symmetries of various quantum field theories.

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Authors & Affiliations

Diego M. Hofman and Andrew Strominger

  • Center for the Fundamental Laws of Nature, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA

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Issue

Vol. 107, Iss. 16 — 14 October 2011

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