Classical codes and chiral CFTs at higher genus

Higher genus modular invariance of two-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs) is a largely unexplored area. In this paper, we derive explicit expressions for the higher genus partition functions of a specific class of CFTs: code CFTs, which are constructed using classical error-correcting codes. In this setting, the Sp(2g, DOUBLE-STRUCK CAPITAL Z) modular transformations of genus g Riemann surfaces can be recast as a simple set of linear maps acting on 2(g) polynomial variables, which comprise an object called the code enumerator polynomial. The CFT partition function is directly related to the enumerator polynomial, meaning that solutions of the linear constraints from modular invariance immediately give a set of seemingly consistent partition functions at a given genus. We then find that higher genus constraints, plus consistency under degeneration limits of the Riemann surface, greatly reduces the number of possible code CFTs. This work provides a step towards a full understanding of the constraints from higher genus modular invariance on 2d CFTs.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the higher genus modular invariance of two-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs). It derives explicit expressions for the higher genus partition functions of a specific class of CFTs called code CFTs, which are constructed using classical error-correcting codes. The study finds that the constraints from higher genus modular invariance and consistency under degeneration limits greatly reduce the number of possible code CFTs. This work provides an important step towards understanding the constraints from higher genus modular invariance on 2D CFTs.