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U(1) Gauging, Continuous TQFTs, and Higher Symmetry Structures
by Adrien Arbalestrier, Riccardo Argurio, Luigi Tizzano
This Submission thread is now published as
Submission summary
| Authors (as registered SciPost users): | Riccardo Argurio |
| Submission information | |
|---|---|
| Preprint Link: | scipost_202506_00046v1 (pdf) |
| Date accepted: | July 1, 2025 |
| Date submitted: | June 24, 2025, 3:44 p.m. |
| Submitted by: | Argurio, Riccardo |
| Submitted to: | SciPost Physics |
| Ontological classification | |
|---|---|
| Academic field: | Physics |
| Specialties: |
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| Approach: | Theoretical |
Abstract
Quantum field theories can exhibit various generalized symmetry structures, among which higher-group symmetries and non-invertible symmetry defects are particularly prominent. In this work, we explore a new general scenario in which these two structures are intertwined. This phenomenon arises in four dimensions when gauging one of multiple $U(1)$ 0-form symmetries in the presence of mixed 't Hooft anomalies. We illustrate this with two distinct models that flow to an IR gapless phase and a gapped phase, respectively, and examine how this symmetry structure manifests in each case. Additionally, we investigate a five-dimensional model where a similar structure exists intrinsically. Our main tool is a symmetry TQFT in one higher dimension, formulated using non-compact gauge fields and having infinitely many topological operators. We carefully determine its boundary conditions and provide a detailed discussion on various dressing choices for its bulk topological operators.
Author indications on fulfilling journal expectations
- Provide a novel and synergetic link between different research areas.
- Open a new pathway in an existing or a new research direction, with clear potential for multi-pronged follow-up work
- Detail a groundbreaking theoretical/experimental/computational discovery
- Present a breakthrough on a previously-identified and long-standing research stumbling block
Author comments upon resubmission
List of changes
1) We added a few sentences above (2.38) to emphasize that gauge invariance must be preserved at the topological boundary. 2) We added a paragraph above (3.4) to explain that, on the other hand, only a subset of gauge transformations need to be preserved at the physical boundary. 3) Below (4.2), we have specified that we take p_1=0 for simplicity, in order for the level k to be an integer.
Published as SciPost Phys. 19, 032 (2025)