Jacques Distler
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Previous Organizations / Institutes
The organizations / institutes from the scholar's other articles in the past ten years
Research Subjects
Jacques Distler has a total of 56 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Oscar Chacaltana
Universidade Estadual Paulista
13 shared publications - Anderson Trimm
Department of Physics Theory Group and Texas Cosmology Center University of Texas at Austin 78712 Austin TX USA
7 shared publications - Amir Raz
Physics Department University of Texas 78712 Austin Austin TX USA
6 shared publications - Andreas Karch
Department of Physics Theory Group University of Texas 78712 Austin TX USA
6 shared publications - Aswin Balasubramanian
NHETC and Department of Physics and Astronomy Rutgers University 08885 Piscataway NJ USA
5 shared publications - Eric Sharpe
Department of Physics MC 0435, 850 West Campus Drive, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
5 shared publications
Latest Publications
- Open Access
Families of Hitchin Systems in Type-D
The Coulomb branch geometry of a 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ SCFT is encoded in the data of a complex integrable system. In class-S, this is the Hitchin System (of ADE type) on the punctured curves $C$ on which we compactified from 6d to 4d. As we vary the complex structure of $C$, these fit together to form a (nontrivial!) bundle of Hitchin systems over the moduli space of complex structures of $C$ (the ``conformal manifold'' of the family of SCFTs). We carry out that construction for type-D. Compared to the type-A case, the construction is much more complicated because of local constraints at the punctures. Those local constraints were studied in [1]. Here, we work out their implications for the global bundle of spectral (Seiberg-Witten) curves.Open AccessFamilies of Hitchin Systems in Type-D
The Coulomb branch geometry of a 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ SCFT is encoded in the data of a complex integrable system. In class-S, this is the Hitchin System (of ADE type) on the punctured curves $C$ on which we compactified from 6d to 4d. As we vary the complex structure of $C$, these fit together to form a (nontrivial!) bundle of Hitchin systems over the moduli space of complex structures of $C$ (the ``conformal manifold'' of the family of SCFTs). We carry out that construction for type-D. Compared to the type-A case, the construction is much more complicated because of local constraints at the punctures. Those local constraints were studied in [1]. Here, we work out their implications for the global bundle of spectral (Seiberg-Witten) curves. - 17 April 2025
- Published by Springer Nature in Annales Henri Poincare
- Vol. 27 (5) , 1563-1605
The Hitchin Image in Type-D
- 17 April 2025
- Published by Springer Nature in Annales Henri Poincare
- Vol. 27 (5) , 1563-1605
The Hitchin Image in Type-D
- Open AccessEven More On Twisted $A_{2n}$ Class-S TheoriesThis paper is a continuation of our investigation into the Coulomb branches of twisted $A_{2n}$ of class-S. In arXiv:2411.17675, we found predictions for the contributions of twisted punctures to the graded dimensions of the Coulomb branch, based on the behaviour under nilpotent Higgsings and S-duality. While surprisingly powerful, these arguments were indirect. Here, we take a different approach: we define precisely the nature of the automorphism under which the twisted punctures are twisted (in particular, it is order-4, not order-2). From that, we find the local constraints satisfied by the Laurent coefficients of the invariant polynomials in the Higgs field, for all twisted punctures in $A_{2n}$, for all n. A crucial role is played by a new (at least, new in physics) order-reversing map on the set of nilpotent orbits in sp(n). Finally, we construct several examples of Seiberg-Witten curves for 3-punctured spheres in these theories.Open AccessEven More On Twisted $A_{2n}$ Class-S TheoriesThis paper is a continuation of our investigation into the Coulomb branches of twisted $A_{2n}$ of class-S. In arXiv:2411.17675, we found predictions for the contributions of twisted punctures to the graded dimensions of the Coulomb branch, based on the behaviour under nilpotent Higgsings and S-duality. While surprisingly powerful, these arguments were indirect. Here, we take a different approach: we define precisely the nature of the automorphism under which the twisted punctures are twisted (in particular, it is order-4, not order-2). From that, we find the local constraints satisfied by the Laurent coefficients of the invariant polynomials in the Higgs field, for all twisted punctures in $A_{2n}$, for all n. A crucial role is played by a new (at least, new in physics) order-reversing map on the set of nilpotent orbits in sp(n). Finally, we construct several examples of Seiberg-Witten curves for 3-punctured spheres in these theories.
- Open AccessOn Twisted $A_{2n}$ Class-S TheoriesIn this paper, we investigate the twisted $A_{2n}$ sector of class-S theories. Heretofore, the Coulomb branches of such theories have been poorly understood. In this, and a companion paper, we make progress in our understanding of them. In particular, we find a formula for the dimension of the Coulomb branch of any twisted $A_{2n}$ class-S theory. Deferring a systematic analysis to the companion paper, we here determine many contributions of punctures to the graded Coulomb branch dimensions, and in some low rank cases, all of them. We are then able to identify a variety of known 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ SCFTs with twisted $A_{2n}$ theories, and reproduce many of their known properties, such as S-duality amongst certain Argyres-Douglas theories.Open AccessOn Twisted $A_{2n}$ Class-S TheoriesIn this paper, we investigate the twisted $A_{2n}$ sector of class-S theories. Heretofore, the Coulomb branches of such theories have been poorly understood. In this, and a companion paper, we make progress in our understanding of them. In particular, we find a formula for the dimension of the Coulomb branch of any twisted $A_{2n}$ class-S theory. Deferring a systematic analysis to the companion paper, we here determine many contributions of punctures to the graded Coulomb branch dimensions, and in some low rank cases, all of them. We are then able to identify a variety of known 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ SCFTs with twisted $A_{2n}$ theories, and reproduce many of their known properties, such as S-duality amongst certain Argyres-Douglas theories.
- Open Access
On Generalized Pfaffians
The determinant of an anti-symmetric matrix $g$ is the square of its Pfaffian, which like the determinant is a polynomial in the entries of $g$. Studies of certain super conformal field theories (of class S) suggested a conjectural generalization of this, predicting that each of a series of other polynomials in the entries of $g$ also admit polynomial square roots. Among other consequences, this conjecture led to a characterization of the local Hitchin image for type D. Several important special cases had been established previously. In this paper we prove the conjecture in full.Open AccessOn Generalized Pfaffians
The determinant of an anti-symmetric matrix $g$ is the square of its Pfaffian, which like the determinant is a polynomial in the entries of $g$. Studies of certain super conformal field theories (of class S) suggested a conjectural generalization of this, predicting that each of a series of other polynomials in the entries of $g$ also admit polynomial square roots. Among other consequences, this conjecture led to a characterization of the local Hitchin image for type D. Several important special cases had been established previously. In this paper we prove the conjecture in full. - Open Access
The Hitchin Image in Type-D
Motivated by their appearance as Coulomb branch geometries of Class S theories, we study the image of the local Hitchin map in tame Hitchin systems of type-D with residue in a special nilpotent orbit $\mathcal{O}_H$. We describe two important features which distinguish it from the type A case studied in arXiv:2008.01020. The first feature, which we term even type constraints, arise iff the partition label $[\mathcal{O}_H]$ has even parts. In this case, our Hitchin image is non-singular and thus different from the one studied by Baraglia and Kamgarpour. We argue that our Hitchin image always globalizes to being the Hitchin base of an integrable system. The second feature, which we term odd type constraints, is related to a particular finite group $\overline{A}_b(\mathcal{O}_H)$ being non-trivial. When this finite group is non-trivial, we have $\mid \overline{A}_b \mid$ choices for the local Hitchin base. Additionally, we also show that the finite group $\overline{A}_b(\mathcal{O}_H)$ encodes the size of the dual special piece.Open AccessThe Hitchin Image in Type-D
Motivated by their appearance as Coulomb branch geometries of Class S theories, we study the image of the local Hitchin map in tame Hitchin systems of type-D with residue in a special nilpotent orbit $\mathcal{O}_H$. We describe two important features which distinguish it from the type A case studied in arXiv:2008.01020. The first feature, which we term even type constraints, arise iff the partition label $[\mathcal{O}_H]$ has even parts. In this case, our Hitchin image is non-singular and thus different from the one studied by Baraglia and Kamgarpour. We argue that our Hitchin image always globalizes to being the Hitchin base of an integrable system. The second feature, which we term odd type constraints, is related to a particular finite group $\overline{A}_b(\mathcal{O}_H)$ being non-trivial. When this finite group is non-trivial, we have $\mid \overline{A}_b \mid$ choices for the local Hitchin base. Additionally, we also show that the finite group $\overline{A}_b(\mathcal{O}_H)$ encodes the size of the dual special piece. - Open Access
Spacetime Subsystem Symmetries
One characteristic feature of many fractonic lattice models, and a defining property of the exotic field theories developed to describe them, are subsystem symmetries including a conservation of not just net electric charge but also electric dipole moments or charges living on submanifolds. So far all such theories were based on internal subsystem symmetries. In this work we generalize the notion of subsystem symmetries to system with subsystem spacetime symmetries with locally conserved energies.
Open AccessSpacetime Subsystem Symmetries
One characteristic feature of many fractonic lattice models, and a defining property of the exotic field theories developed to describe them, are subsystem symmetries including a conservation of not just net electric charge but also electric dipole moments or charges living on submanifolds. So far all such theories were based on internal subsystem symmetries. In this work we generalize the notion of subsystem symmetries to system with subsystem spacetime symmetries with locally conserved energies.
- Open Access
- 3 May 2023
- Published by American Physical Society (APS) in Physical Review D
- Vol. 107 (10) , 106005
Isomorphisms of 4D SCFTs from 6DThere exist 4D superconformal field theories (SCFTs) in class that have different constructions as punctured Riemann surfaces, but which nevertheless appear to describe the same physics. Some of these class theories have an alternative construction as torus-compactifications of 6D (1, 0) SCFTs. We demonstrate that the 6D SCFTs are isomorphic. Each 6D SCFT in question can be obtained from a parent 6D SCFT by Higgs branch renormalization group flow, and the parent theory possesses a discrete symmetry under which the relevant Higgs branch flows are exchanged. The existence of this discrete symmetry, which may be embedded in an enhanced continuous symmetry, proves that the original pair of class theories are, in fact, isomorphic.- 3 May 2023
- Published by American Physical Society (APS) in Physical Review D
- Vol. 107 (10) , 106005
Open AccessIsomorphisms of 4D SCFTs from 6DThere exist 4D superconformal field theories (SCFTs) in class that have different constructions as punctured Riemann surfaces, but which nevertheless appear to describe the same physics. Some of these class theories have an alternative construction as torus-compactifications of 6D (1, 0) SCFTs. We demonstrate that the 6D SCFTs are isomorphic. Each 6D SCFT in question can be obtained from a parent 6D SCFT by Higgs branch renormalization group flow, and the parent theory possesses a discrete symmetry under which the relevant Higgs branch flows are exchanged. The existence of this discrete symmetry, which may be embedded in an enhanced continuous symmetry, proves that the original pair of class theories are, in fact, isomorphic. - Open Access
- 16 March 2023
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2023 (3) , 1-2
Erratum to: Interacting fractons in 2+1-dimensional quantum field theory
- 16 March 2023
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2023 (3) , 1-2
Open AccessErratum to: Interacting fractons in 2+1-dimensional quantum field theory
- Open Access
Interacting Fractons in 2+1-Dimensional Quantum Field Theory
We analyze, in perturbation theory, a theory of weakly interacting fractons and non-relativistic fermions in a 2+1 dimensional Quantum Field Theory. In particular we compute the 1-loop corrections to the self energies and interaction vertex, and calculate the associated 1-loop Renormalization Group flows of the coupling constants. Surprisingly, we find that the fracton-fermion coupling does not flow due to an emergent coordinate-dependent symmetry of the effective Lagrangian, making this model a well-defined quantum field theory. We provide additional discussions on the regularization and renormalization of interacting fractonic theories, as well as both qualitative and quantitative remarks regarding the theory at finite temperature and finite chemical potential.
Open AccessInteracting Fractons in 2+1-Dimensional Quantum Field Theory
We analyze, in perturbation theory, a theory of weakly interacting fractons and non-relativistic fermions in a 2+1 dimensional Quantum Field Theory. In particular we compute the 1-loop corrections to the self energies and interaction vertex, and calculate the associated 1-loop Renormalization Group flows of the coupling constants. Surprisingly, we find that the fracton-fermion coupling does not flow due to an emergent coordinate-dependent symmetry of the effective Lagrangian, making this model a well-defined quantum field theory. We provide additional discussions on the regularization and renormalization of interacting fractonic theories, as well as both qualitative and quantitative remarks regarding the theory at finite temperature and finite chemical potential.