Subsystem Symmetry Fractionalization and Foliated Field Theory

Symmetry plays a central role in quantum field theory. Recent developments include symmetries that act on defects and other subsystems, and symmetries that are categorical rather than group-like. These generalized notions of symmetry allow for new kinds of anomalies that constrain dynamics. We review some transformative instances of these novel aspects of symmetry in quantum field theory, and give a broad-brush overview of recent applications.

Discrete spacetime symmetries of parity P or reflection R, and time-reversal T, act naively as $\mathbb{Z}_2$-involutions in the passive transformation on the spacetime coordinates; but together with a charge conjugation C, the total C-P-R-T symmetries have enriched active transformations on fields in representations of the spacetime-internal symmetry groups of quantum field theories (QFTs). In this work, we derive that these symmetries can be further fractionalized, especial...

We discuss the higher-order topological field theory and response of topological crystalline insulators with no other symmetries. We show how the topology and geometry of the system is organised in terms of the elasticity tetrads which are ground state degrees of freedom labelling lattice topological charges, higher-form conservation laws and responses on sub-dimensional manifolds of the bulk system. In a crystalline insulator, they classify higher-order global symmetries in ...

In this thesis we investigate topological aspects and arithmetic structures in quantum field theory and string theory. Particular focus is put on consistent truncations of supergravity and compactifications of F-theory.

Fractional excitations in fracton models exhibit novel features not present in conventional topological phases: their mobility is constrained, there are an infinitude of types, and they bear an exotic sense of 'braiding'. Hence, they require a new framework for proper characterization. Based on our definition of foliated fracton phases in which equivalence between models includes the possibility of adding layers of gapped 2D states, we propose to characterize fractional excit...

This paper explores the advanced mathematical frameworks used to analyze symmetry breaking in high-dimensional field theories, emphasizing the roles of Laurent series, residues, and winding numbers. Symmetry breaking is fundamental in various physical contexts, such as high-energy physics, condensed matter physics, and cosmology. The study addresses how these mathematical tools enable the decomposition of complex field behaviors near singularities, revealing the intricate dyn...

There has been proposed two continuum descriptions of fracton systems: foliated quantum field theories (FQFTs) and exotic quantum field theories. Certain fracton systems are believed to admit descriptions by both, and hence a duality is expected between such a class of FQFTs and exotic QFTs. In this paper we study this duality in detail for concrete examples in $2+1$ and $3+1$ dimensions. In the examples, both sides of the continuum theories are of $BF$-type, and we find the ...

This is an elementary set of lectures on generalized global symmetries originally given at the Jena TPI School on QFT and Holography, designed to be accessible to the reader with a basic knowledge of quantum field theory. Topics covered include an introduction to higher-form symmetries with selected applications: Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories in the continuum and on the lattice, statistical mechanical systems, the Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly from the point of view of n...

We construct in the K matrix formalism concrete examples of symmetry enriched topological phases, namely intrinsically topological phases with global symmetries. We focus on the Abelian and non-chiral topological phases and demonstrate by our examples how the interplay between the global symmetry and the fusion algebra of the anyons of a topologically ordered system determines the existence of gapless edge modes protected by the symmetry and that a (quasi)-group structure can...

A connection between fractional supersymmetric quantum mechanics and ordinary supersymmetric quantum mechanics is established in this Letter.