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Exact selection rules and degeneracies from symmetry fractionalization

In this talk we will explore some consequences of symmetry fractionalization for line operator correlation functions and vacuum structure. Specifically, we consider quantum field theories without so-called `1-form' symmetries --- for instance, gauge theories with matter fields in the fundamental representation. Line operators in such theories cannot be used as order parameters for confinement. Nonetheless, they can have trackable fractional quantum numbers under flavor symmetries. We will explain this well-known phenomena, known as symmetry fractionalization, from the perspective of generalized global symmetries. This allows us to explain and generalize known observations in the literature, such as a class of exact selection rules in certain QCD theories with fundamental quarks previously dubbed `color-flavor-center symmetry.’ [This is a blackboard talk intended to non-experts.]

Host: Erich Poppitz
Event series  THEP Events