N = 2 superconformal blocks and instanton partition functions

V. Belavin, Niclas Wyllard

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11 Scopus citations

Abstract

We consider the problem of computing (irregular) conformal blocks in 2d CFTs whose chiral symmetry algebra is the N =2 superconformal algebra. Our construction uses two ingredients: (i) the relation between the representation theories of the N =2 superconformal algebra and the affine sl̂(2) algebra, extended to the level of the conformal blocks, and (ii) the relation between sl̂(2) conformal blocks and instanton partition functions in the 4d N =2 SU(2) gauge theory with a surface defect. By combining these two facts we derive combinatorial expressions for the N =2 superconformal blocks in the Gaiotto limit.

Original languageEnglish
Article number173
JournalJournal of High Energy Physics
Volume2012
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Conformal and W symmetry
  • Duality in gauge field theories

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