Weyl invariance, non-compact duality and conformal higher-derivative sigma models

We study a system of n Abelian vector fields coupled to 1/2n(n + 1) complex scalars parametrising the Hermitian symmetric space Sp(2n, R)/U(n). This model is Weyl invariant and possesses the maximal non-compact duality group Sp(2n, R). Although both symmetries are anomalous in the quantum theory, they should be respected by the logarithmic divergent term (the induced action) of the effective action obtained by integrating out the vector fields. We compute this induced action and demonstrate its Weyl and Sp(2n, R) invariance. The resulting conformal higher derivative sigma-model on Sp(2n, R)/U(n) is generalised to the cases where the fields take their values in (i) an arbitrary Kahler space; and (ii) an arbitrary Riemannian manifold. In both cases, the sigma-model Lagrangian generates a Weyl anomaly satisfying the Wess-Zumino consistency condition.

Automated summary

We study a system of n Abelian vector fields coupled to complex scalars parametrising the Hermitian symmetric space Sp(2n, R)/U(n). The model is Weyl invariant and possesses the maximal non-compact duality group Sp(2n, R). We calculate the induced action obtained by integrating out the vector fields and prove its Weyl and Sp(2n, R) invariance. The resulting conformal higher derivative sigma-model on Sp(2n, R)/U(n) can be generalized to other spaces and exhibits a Weyl anomaly satisfying the Wess-Zumino consistency condition.