Select All
PIRSA:12110094

Chern-Simons Contact Terms

Dumitrescu, T. (2012). Chern-Simons Contact Terms. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/12110094

Thomas Dumitrescu University of California, Los Angeles

Talk numberPIRSA:12110094
DOI10.48660/12110094
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

Chern-Simons contact terms constitute new observables in three-dimensional quantum field theory. In N=2 supersymmetric theories with an R-symmetry, they lead to a superconformal anomaly. This understanding clarifies several puzzles surrounding the S3 partition function of these theories. In particular, it leads to a proof of the F-maximization principle.  Chern-Simons contact terms can be computed exactly using localization and lead to new tests of proposed dualities.