Dualities from dualities: the sequential deconfinement technique

It is an interesting question whether a given infra-red duality between quantum field theories can be explained in terms of other more elementary dualities. For example recently it has been shown that mirror dualities can be obtained by iterative applications of Seiberg-like dualities. In this paper we continue this line of investigation focusing on theories with tensor matter. In such cases one can apply the idea of deconfinement, which consists of trading the tensor matter for extra gauge nodes by means of a suitable elementary duality. This gives an auxiliary dual frame which can then be manipulated with further dualizations, in an iterative procedure eventually yielding an interesting dual description of the original theory. The sequential deconfinement technique has avatars in different areas of mathematical physics, such as the study of hypergeometric and elliptic hypergeometric integral identities or of 2d free field correlators. We discuss various examples in the context 4d N = 1 supersymmetric theories, which are related to elliptic hypergeometric integrals. These include a new self-duality involving a quiver theory which exhibits a non-trivial global symmetry enhancement to E-6.

Automated summary

This paper investigates whether a given infra-red duality between quantum field theories can be explained through other more elementary dualities. It focuses on theories with tensor matter and applies the idea of deconfinement, trading tensor matter for extra gauge nodes using elementary dualities. The paper discusses various examples in the context of 4d N = 1 supersymmetric theories related to elliptic hypergeometric integrals, including a new self-duality involving a quiver theory.