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Further aspects of Supersymmetric Virasoro Minimal Strings
by Clifford V. Johnson
Submission summary
| Authors (as registered SciPost users): | Clifford Johnson |
| Submission information | |
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| Preprint Link: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.19000v1 (pdf) |
| Date submitted: | Aug. 22, 2025, 12:20 a.m. |
| Submitted by: | Clifford Johnson |
| Submitted to: | SciPost Physics |
| Ontological classification | |
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| Academic field: | Physics |
| Specialties: |
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| Approach: | Theoretical |
Abstract
A supersymmetric version of the Virasoro minimal string was defined some time ago using random matrix model techniques. Several of the special properties of the matrix model that were noted (accessible fully non-perturbatively) underlie features shared by both 0A and 0B versions of the theory. This paper develops the formalism much further, including showing how the 0A and 0B choices familiar in continuum approaches have a direct analogue in terms of building solutions of the appropriate string equations. This also illuminates several key differences between the 0A and 0B models at the level of matrix model loop observables. The natural all-orders vanishing of loops, already observed in some 0A models, translates into the same for 0B. It is also noted that the leading amplitude for a single asymptotic boundary, as well as the trumpet partition function, are characters of a 2D superconformal field theory living on the boundary of a solid torus, suggesting a 3D chiral supergravity dual. Non-perturbative results are computed as well.
Author indications on fulfilling journal expectations
- Provide a novel and synergetic link between different research areas.
- Open a new pathway in an existing or a new research direction, with clear potential for multi-pronged follow-up work
- Detail a groundbreaking theoretical/experimental/computational discovery
- Present a breakthrough on a previously-identified and long-standing research stumbling block
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The author claims that this matrix model is the definition of SVMS, and that worldsheet theories or other techniques should reproduce this. I find this a bit misleading to the readers. The author is making a suggestion that dualities between matrix models and string models are obvious. However, not every string theory is a matrix model, and not every matrix model is a string theory. For instance, deformations of JT gravity do not obviously have a reasonable worldsheet CFT description, so it is difficult to call these string theories. String theory is defined as a worldsheet CFT. It may be that SVMS coincides with the matrix models that have been studied. But it is also possible that it is completely different. The title is perhaps a bit strong, suggesting that what he is doing is certainly related with SVMS. This is in my opinion not necessarily guaranteed. In the conclusion, the author says that this is a sharp tool to study quantum gravity and string theory. This would only be true of SVMS at all genus matches this matrix model, which has to be shown, and is not obviously true.
In conclusion, the work is in my opinion very impressive and a valuable addition to the matrix model literature. However, the relation with a supersymmetric version of VMS needs more clarification. For the paper to be acceptable for publication, the author should change some of the wording.
To be clear, I do believe the paper provides useful and suggestive formulas that can give guidance in developing the worldsheet theory (as he says in the conclusion).
Requested changes
Change wording.
Recommendation
Ask for minor revision