Integrable deformations of sigma models

In this pedagogical review we introduce systematic approaches to deforming integrable 2-dimensional sigma models. We use the integrable principal chiral model and the conformal Wess-Zumino-Witten model as our starting points and explore their Yang-Baxter and current-current deformations. There is an intricate web of relations between these models based on underlying algebraic structures and worldsheet dualities, which is highlighted throughout. We finish with a discussion of the generalisation to other symmetric integrable models, including some original results related to ZT cosets and their deformations, and the application to string theory. This review is based on notes written for lectures delivered at the school "Integrability, Dualities and Deformations," which ran from 23 to 27 August 2021 in Santiago de Compostela and virtually.

4-dimensional Chern-Simons theory and integrable field theories

These lecture notes concern the semi-holomorphic 4d Chern-Simons theory and its applications to classical integrable field theories in 2d and in particular integrable sigma-models. After introducing the main properties of the Chern-Simons theory in 3d, we will define its 4d analogue and explain how it is naturally related to the Lax formalism of integrable 2d theories. Moreover, we will explain how varying the boundary conditions imposed on this 4d theory allows to recover various occurences of integrable sigma-models through this construction, in particular illustrating this on two simple examples: the Principal Chiral Model and its Yang-Baxter deformation. These notes were written for the lectures delivered at the school “Integrability, Dualities and Deformations”, that ran from 23 to 27 August 2021 in Santiago de Compostela and virtually.

Deformed $$\sigma $$-models, Ricci flow and Toda field theories

It is shown that the Pohlmeyer map of a $$\sigma $$ σ -model with a toric two-dimensional target space naturally leads to the ‘sausage’ metric. We then elaborate the trigonometric deformation of the $$\mathbb {CP}^{n-1}$$ CP n - 1 -model, proving that its T-dual metric is Kähler and solves the Ricci flow equation. Finally, we discuss a relation between flag manifold $$\sigma $$ σ -models and Toda field theories.

Beta functions for the duality-invariant sigma model

The O(d, d) invariant worldsheet theory for bosonic string theory with d abelian isometries is employed to compute the beta functions and Weyl anomaly at one-loop. We show that vanishing of the Weyl anomaly coefficients implies the equations of motion of the Maharana-Schwarz action. We give a self-contained introduction into the required techniques, including beta functions, the Weyl anomaly for two-dimensional sigma models and the background field method. This sets the stage for a sequel to this paper on generalizations to higher loops and α′ corrections.

Non-abelian fermionic T-duality in supergravity

Field transformation rules of the standard fermionic T-duality require fermionic isometries to anticommute, which leads to complexification of the Killing spinors and results in complex valued dual backgrounds. We generalize the field transformations to the setting with non-anticommuting fermionic isometries and show that the resulting backgrounds are solutions of double field theory. Explicit examples of non-abelian fermionic T-dualities that produce real backgrounds are given. Some of our examples can be bosonic T-dualized into usual supergravity solutions, while the others are genuinely non-geometric. Comparison with alternative treatment based on sigma models on supercosets shows consistency.

Cosmology of linear Higgs-sigma models with conformal invariance

We consider general linear Higgs-sigma models as ultra-violet completions of the Higgs inflation. We introduce general higher curvature terms beyond Einstein gravity and recast them into a class of linear Higgs-sigma models in the scalar-dual formulation where conformal symmetry is manifest. Integrating out the sigma field in this class of linear sigma models, we obtain the same Higgs inflation Lagrangian of non-linear sigma model type in the effective theory. We show that the successful inflation for sigma field singles out the sigma-field potential derived from the R2 term and the tracker solution for dark energy at late times can be realized for the Rp+1 term with −1 < p < 0. We also discuss the implications of Higgs-sigma interactions for the inflation and the vacuum stability in the Standard Model.

Integrable deformed T1,1 sigma models from 4D Chern-Simons theory

Recently, a variety of deformed T1,1 manifolds, with which 2D non-linear sigma models (NLSMs) are classically integrable, have been presented by Arutyunov, Bassi and Lacroix (ABL) [46]. We refer to the NLSMs with the integrable deformed T1,1 as the ABL model for brevity. Motivated by this progress, we consider deriving the ABL model from a 4D Chern-Simons (CS) theory with a meromorphic one-form with four double poles and six simple zeros. We specify boundary conditions in the CS theory that give rise to the ABL model and derive the sigma-model background with target-space metric and anti-symmetric two-form. Finally, we present two simple examples 1) an anisotropic T1,1 model and 2) a G/H λ-model. The latter one can be seen as a one-parameter deformation of the Guadagnini-Martellini-Mintchev model.

ODE/IQFT correspondence for the generalized affine $$ \mathfrak{sl} $$(2) Gaudin model

An integrable system is introduced, which is a generalization of the $$ \mathfrak{sl} $$ sl (2) quantum affine Gaudin model. Among other things, the Hamiltonians are constructed and their spectrum is calculated using the ODE/IQFT approach. The model fits into the framework of Yang-Baxter integrability. This opens a way for the systematic quantization of a large class of integrable non-linear sigma models. There may also be some interest in terms of Condensed Matter applications, as the theory can be thought of as a multiparametric generalization of the Kondo model.