String Theory seminar - Bruno Le Floch Seminar

Abstract: M-theory features M2 branes and M5 branes of dimensions 2+1 and 5+1, respectively, which break (at least) half of the supersymmetry each. M2 branes can end supersymmetrically on M5 branes and the intersection is described by a 2-dimensional gauge theory with four supersymmetries. I will explain how to find this gauge theory by compactifying the brane setup on a Riemann surface C and using the AGT correspondence between 4d N=2 supersymmetric gauge theories and Liouville/Toda CFT on C. Symmetries of the CFT on C translate to gauge theory dualities. Time-permitting I will explain these Seiberg-like dualities, emphasizing the difference between 2-dimensional and higher-dimensional supersymmetric dualities.