Limits of Vertex Algebras and Large N Factorization

Abstract: We investigate the limit of sequences of vertex algebras. We discuss under what condition the vector space direct limit of such a sequence is again a vertex algebra. We then apply this framework to permutation orbifolds of vertex operator algebras and their large N limit. We establish that for any nested oligomorphic permutation orbifold such a large N limit exists, and we give a necessary and sufficient condition for that limit to factorize. This helps clarify the question of what VOAs are candidates for holographic conformal field theories in physics.