AdS/CFT Duality User Guide (1409.3575v4)

Abstract: This is the draft/updated version of a textbook on "real-world" applications of the AdS/CFT duality for beginning graduate students in particle physics and for researchers in the other fields. The aim of this book is to provide background materials such as string theory, general relativity, nuclear physics, nonequilibrium physics, and condensed-matter physics as well as some key applications of the AdS/CFT duality in a single textbook. Contents: (1) Introduction, (2) General relativity and black holes, (3) Black holes and thermodynamics, (4) Strong interaction and gauge theories, (5) The road to AdS/CFT, (6) The AdS spacetime, (7) AdS/CFT - equilibrium, (8) AdS/CFT - adding probes, (9) Basics of nonequilibrium physics, (10) AdS/CFT - nonequilibrium, (11) Other AdS spacetimes, (12) Applications to quark-gluon plasma, (13) Basics of phase transition, (14) AdS/CFT - phase transition, (15) Exercises.

• The paper analytically reviews the foundational principles of U(1) and U(Nc) gauge theories, developing essential mathematical concepts for understanding symmetry, gauge fields, and field interactions.
• For U(1) theory, the review details achieving local gauge invariance by introducing a gauge field and covariant derivative, explaining the gauge field action and coupling constant.
• For U(Nc) theory, the paper extends the formalism to multi-component fields and adjoint representations, introducing matrix gauge fields, an extended covariant derivative, and the definition of field strength.

An Examination of Gauge Theory Fundamentals

This paper provides an analytical review of gauge theory, focusing on the principles governing $U(1)$ and $U(\Nc)$ gauge theories. The authors meticulously develop the mathematical foundations necessary for understanding these theories, which are crucial in the context of modern theoretical physics. The discussions encapsulated in this paper bridge pivotal aspects of symmetry operations, gauge field interactions, and the mathematical underpinnings that describe the dynamics of scalar fields in gauge theories.

$U(1)$ Gauge Theory

Initially, the paper revisits the $U(1)$ gauge theory, notably examining the symmetry implications and modifying the theory to accommodate local gauge invariance. The authors start by considering a complex scalar field described by a Lagrangian density $\calL$, which remains invariant under global $U(1)$ transformations, highlighting the mathematical form $\phi \rightarrow U \phi$ with $U = e^{i\alpha}$. For local $U(1)$ transformations, gauge symmetry requires the introduction of a gauge field $A_\mu$, thereby incorporating a covariant derivative $D_\mu \phi = (\del_\mu - iA_\mu)\phi$. This ensures the field’s invariance under local transformations by adjusting the transformation law for $A_\mu$ itself.

The gauge field's action is expressed as $\calL = - \frac{1}{4e^2} F^{\mu\nu}F_{\mu\nu}$, and the role of the coupling constant $e$ is elucidated via normalization, delineating its function in the formulation of gauge field dynamics.

$U(\Nc)$ Gauge Theory

Further, the paper transitions to $U(\Nc)$ gauge theory, exploring fields with multiple components. A scalar field, $\phi_i$, with $\Nc$ components exhibits a global $U(\Nc)$ symmetry. By promoting this symmetry to a local one, gauge fields $A_\mu$ are introduced. These fields transform as Hermitian $\Nc \times \Nc$ matrices, affirming local gauge invariance through the transformation $A_\mu \rightarrow U A_\mu U^{-1} - i(\del_\mu U)U^{-1}$.

Adjacent to this discussion, the paper explores the adjoint representation, wherein fields transform via $\phi_A \rightarrow U\phi_A U^{-1}$. The gauge covariant derivative is extended to these representations as $D_\mu \phi_A = \del_\mu \phi_A - i[A_\mu, \phi_A]$, asserting that $F_{\mu\nu} = \del_\mu A_\nu - \del_\nu A_\mu - i[A_\mu, A_\nu]$ forms the basis for defining field strength within these theories.

Theoretical Implications and Future Directions

The implications of this detailed exposition in gauge theory are manifold. The constructs of $U(1)$ and $U(\Nc)$ gauge theories form the backbone of various quantum field theories, including the Standard Model. Understanding these foundational principles aids in exploring more complex interactions in particle physics and elaborating on theories like quantum chromodynamics and electroweak interactions.

Looking forward, opportunities abound for integrating such formalism within emerging theoretical frameworks such as AdS/CFT correspondence and other non-perturbative approaches in quantum gravity. These constructs will continue to fuel advancements in theoretical physics, especially in contexts demanding higher symmetry contexts or involving complex field representations.

In conclusion, this thorough examination of gauge theory foundations is an essential resource for researchers aiming to deepen their understanding of field symmetries and gauge invariance's role in the broader context of theoretical physics. It provides a rigorous template from which further exploration and theoretical advancements may proceed.