Renormalization Group Flows on Line Defects

We consider line defects in d-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs). The ambient CFT places nontrivial constraints on renormalization group (RG) flows on such line defects. We show that the flow on line defects is consequently irreversible and furthermore a canonical decreasing entropy function exists. This construction generalizes the g theorem to line defects in arbitrary dimensions. We demonstrate our results in a flow between Wilson loops in four dimensions.

Automated summary

This article investigates line defects in conformal field theories and reveals that the flow on these defects is irreversible, accompanied by a decreasing entropy function. The generalization of the g theorem to line defects in arbitrary dimensions is demonstrated through a flow between Wilson loops in four dimensions.