Abstract
We consider unitary SQCD, a three-dimensional N=2 supersymmetric Chern-Simons-matter theory consisting of one U(Nc)k,k+lNc vector multiplet coupled to nf fundamental and na antifundamental chiral multiplets, where k and l parameterise generic CS levels for U(Nc)=(SU(Nc)×U(1))/ℤNc. We study the moduli space of vacua of this theory with na=0, for generic values of the parameters Nc,k,l,nf and with a non-zero Fayet-Ilopoulos parameter turned on. We uncover a rich pattern of vacua including Higgs, topological and hybrid phases. This allows us to derive a closed-form formula for the flavoured Witten index of unitary SQCD for any nf≠na, generalising previously known results for either l=0 or nf=na. Finally, we analyse the vacuum structure of recently proposed infrared-dual gauge theories and we match vacua across the dualities, thus providing intricate new checks of those dualities. Incidentally, we also discuss a seemingly new level/rank duality for pure CS theories with U(N)×U(N′) gauge group.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 085 |
Number of pages | 40 |
Journal | SciPost Physics |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 8 Sept 2023 |