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Contact Terms, Unitarity, and F-Maximization in Three-Dimensional Superconformal Theories

2 Pith papers cite this work. Polarity classification is still indexing.

2 Pith papers citing it
abstract

We consider three-dimensional N=2 superconformal field theories on a three-sphere and analyze their free energy F as a function of background gauge and supergravity fields. A crucial role is played by certain local terms in these background fields, including several Chern-Simons terms. The presence of these terms clarifies a number of subtle properties of F. This understanding allows us to prove the F-maximization principle. It also explains why computing F via localization leads to a complex answer, even though we expect it to be real in unitary theories. We discuss several corollaries of our results and comment on the relation to the F-theorem.

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hep-th 2

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2026 2

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UNVERDICTED 2

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representative citing papers

Lattice chiral symmetry from bosons in 3+1d

hep-th · 2026-04-07 · unverdicted · novelty 7.0

A bosonic lattice model realizes exact chiral symmetry and its anomaly in 3+1d, with the continuum limit a compact boson theory with axion-like coupling.

Extraordinary Surface Criticalities for Interacting Fermions

hep-th · 2026-04-16 · unverdicted · novelty 6.0 · 2 refs

Exact infrared solutions for surface criticalities in the Gross-Neveu-Yukawa model encode fermionic anomalies in surface dynamics and reveal emergent structures linked to a defect version of the CFT distance conjecture.

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Showing 2 of 2 citing papers.

  • Lattice chiral symmetry from bosons in 3+1d hep-th · 2026-04-07 · unverdicted · none · ref 66

    A bosonic lattice model realizes exact chiral symmetry and its anomaly in 3+1d, with the continuum limit a compact boson theory with axion-like coupling.

  • Extraordinary Surface Criticalities for Interacting Fermions hep-th · 2026-04-16 · unverdicted · none · ref 91 · 2 links · internal anchor

    Exact infrared solutions for surface criticalities in the Gross-Neveu-Yukawa model encode fermionic anomalies in surface dynamics and reveal emergent structures linked to a defect version of the CFT distance conjecture.