We conjecture an expression for the Liouville theory conformal blocks and correlation functions on a Riemann surface of genus g and n punctures as the Nekrasov partition function of a certain class of \({\mathcal{N}=2}\) SCFTs recently defined by one of the authors. We conduct extensive tests of the conjecture at genus 0, 1.

Liouville Correlation Functions from Four-dimensional Gauge Theories

We present geometric derivations of the Smarr formula for static AdS black holes and an expanded first law that includes variations in the cosmological constant. These two results are further related by a scaling argument based on Euler's theorem. The key new ingredient in the constructions is a two-form potential for the static Killing field. Surface integrals of the Killing potential determine the coefficient of the variation of Λ in the first law. This coefficient is proportional to a finite, effective volume for the region outside the AdS black hole horizon, which can also be interpreted as minus the volume excluded from a spatial slice by the black hole horizon. This effective volume also contributes to the Smarr formula. Since Λ is naturally thought of as a pressure, the new term in the first law has the form of effective volume times change in pressure that arises in the variation of the enthalpy in classical thermodynamics. This and related arguments suggest that the mass of an AdS black hole should be interpreted as the enthalpy of the spacetime.

/pdf/enthalpy-and-the-mechanics-of-ads-black-holes-2trzlanjxb.pdf

Enthalpy and the mechanics of AdS black holes

We define new invariants of 3d Calabi-Yau categories endowed with a stability structure. Intuitively, they count the number of semistable objects with fixed class in the K-theory of the category ('number of BPS states with given charge' in physics language). Formally, our motivic DT-invariants are elements of quantum tori over a version of the Grothendieck ring of varieties over the ground field. Via the quasi-classical limit 'as the motive of affine line approaches to 1' we obtain numerical DT-invariants which are closely related to those introduced by Behrend. We study some properties of both motivic and numerical DT-invariants including the wall-crossing formulas and integrality. We discuss the relationship with the mathematical works (in the non-triangulated case) of Joyce, Bridgeland and Toledano-Laredo, as well as with works of physicists on Seiberg-Witten model (string junctions), classification of N=2 supersymmetric theories (Cecotti-Vafa) and structure of the moduli space of vector multiplets. Relating the theory of 3d Calabi-Yau categories with distinguished set of generators (called cluster collection) with the theory of quivers with potential we found the connection with cluster transformations and cluster varieties (both classical and quantum).

Stability structures, motivic Donaldson-Thomas invariants and cluster transformations

We construct a cubic field theory which provides all genus amplitudes of the topological A-model for all non-compact toric Calabi-Yau threefolds. The topology of a given Feynman diagram encodes the topology of a fixed Calabi-Yau, with Schwinger parameters playing the role of Kahler classes of the threefold. We interpret this result as an operatorial computation of the amplitudes in the B-model mirror which is the quantum Kodaira-Spencer theory. The only degree of freedom of this theory is an unconventional chiral scalar on a Riemann surface. In this setup we identify the B-branes on the mirror Riemann surface as fermions related to the chiral boson by bosonization.

/pdf/the-topological-vertex-3lrad1kwkt.pdf

The Topological Vertex

A simple relationship of the form ZBH = |Ztop|2 is conjectured, where ZBH is a supersymmetric partition function for a four-dimensional BPS black hole in a Calabi-Yau compactification of Type II superstring theory and Ztop is a second-quantized topological string partition function evaluated at the attractor point in moduli space associated to the black hole charges. Evidence for the conjecture in a perturbation expansion about large graviphoton charge is given. The microcanonical ensemble of BPS black holes can be viewed as the Wigner function associated to the wave function defined by the topological string partition function.

/pdf/black-hole-attractors-and-the-topological-string-3kdmq9xqvb.pdf

Black hole attractors and the topological string

We study (2,2) supersymmetric field theories on two-dimensional worldsheet with boundaries. We determine D-branes (boundary conditions and boundary interactions) that preserve half of the bulk supercharges in nonlinear sigma models, gauged linear sigma models, and Landau-Ginzburg models. We identify a mechanism for brane creation in LG theories and provide a new derivation of a link between soliton numbers of the massive theories and R-charges of vacua at the UV fixed point. Moreover we identify Lagrangian submanifolds that arise as the mirror of certain D-branes wrapped around � �

D-Branes And Mirror Symmetry

We define a refined topological vertex which depends in addition on a parameter, which physically corresponds to extending the self-dual graviphoton field strength to a more general configuration. Using this refined topological vertex we compute, using geometric engineering, a two-parameter (equivariant) instanton expansion of gauge theories which reproduce the results of Nekrasov. The refined vertex is also expected to be related to Khovanov knot invariants.

http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1126-6708/2009/10/069/pdf

The refined topological vertex

The Refined Topological Vertex

We compute the prepotential of = 2 supersymmetric gauge theories in four dimensions obtained by toroidal compactifications of gauge theories from 6 dimensions, as a function of Kahler and complex moduli of T2. We use three different methods to obtain this: matrix models, geometric engineering and instanton calculus. Matrix model approach involves summing up planar diagrams of an associated gauge theory on T2. Geometric engineering involves considering F-theory on elliptic threefolds, and using topological vertex to sum up worldsheet instantons. Instanton calculus involves computation of elliptic genera of instanton moduli spaces on R4. We study the compactifications of = 2* theory in detail and establish equivalence of all these three approaches in this case. As a byproduct we geometrically engineer theories with massive adjoint fields. As one application, we show that the moduli space of mass deformed M5-branes wrapped on T2 combines the Kahler and complex moduli of T2 and the mass parameter into the period matrix of a genus 2 curve.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1126-6708/2008/03/069/pdf

Matrix models, geometric engineering and elliptic genera

We find an interpretation of the recent connection found between topological strings on Calabi-Yau threefolds and crystal melting: Summing over statistical mechanical configuration of melting crystal is equivalent to a quantum gravitational path integral involving fluctuations of Kahler geometry and topology. We show how the limit shape of the melting crystal emerges as the average geometry and topology of the quantum foam at the string scale. The geometry is classical at large length scales, modified to a smooth limit shape dictated by mirror geometry at string scale and is a quantum foam at area scales ~ gsα'.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1126-6708/2008/04/011/pdf

Amer Iqbal

Papers

D-Branes And Mirror Symmetry

The refined topological vertex

The Refined Topological Vertex

Matrix models, geometric engineering and elliptic genera

Quantum foam and topological strings