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Y-systems, Q-systems, and 4D \(\mathcal {N}=2\) supersymmetric QFT. (English) Zbl 1304.81141

Summary: We review the connection between Y- and Q-systems and the BPS spectra of 4D \(\mathcal {N}=2\) supersymmetric QFTs. For each finite BPS chamber of an \(\mathcal {N}=2\) model which is UV superconformal, one gets a periodic Y-system, while for each finite BPS chamber of an asymptotically-free \(\mathcal {N}=2\) QFT one gets a Q-system i.e. a rational recursion all whose solutions satisfy a linear recursion with constant coefficients (depending on the initial conditions). For instance, the classical ADE Y-systems of Zamolodchikov correspond to the ADE Argyres-Douglas \(\mathcal {N}=2\) SCFTs, while the usual ADE Q-systems correspond to pure \(\mathcal {N}=2\) SYM. After having motivated the correspondence both from the QFT and the thermodynamical Bethe ansatz sides, and having introduced the basic tricks of the trade, we exploit the connection to construct and solve new Y- and Q-systems. In particular, we present the new Y-systems associated to the \({E}_{6}, {E}_{7}, {E}_{8}\) Minahan-Nemeshanski SCFTs and to the \({D}_{2}({ G}\)) SCFTs. We also present new Q-systems corresponding to SYM coupled to specific matter systems such that the YM {\(\beta\)}-function remains negative.

MSC:

81T60 Supersymmetric field theories in quantum mechanics
81T40 Two-dimensional field theories, conformal field theories, etc. in quantum mechanics
81T13 Yang-Mills and other gauge theories in quantum field theory
81V22 Unified quantum theories
82B23 Exactly solvable models; Bethe ansatz
81-02 Research exposition (monographs, survey articles) pertaining to quantum theory