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Monte Carlo methods have led to profound insights into the strong-coupling behaviour of lattice gauge theories and produced remarkable results such as first-principles computations of hadron masses. Despite tremendous progress over the last four decades, fundamental challenges such as the sign problem and the inability to simulate real-time dynamics remain. Neural network quantum states have emerged as an alternative method that seeks to overcome these challenges. In this work, we use gauge-invariant neural network quantum states to accurately compute the ground state of $\mathbb{Z}_N$ lattice gauge theories in $2+1$ dimensions. Using transfer learning, we study the distinct topological phases and the confinement phase transition of these theories. For $\mathbb{Z}_2$, we identify a continuous transition and compute critical exponents, finding excellent agreement with existing numerics for the expected Ising universality class. In the $\mathbb{Z}_3$ case, we observe a weakly first-order transition and identify the critical coupling. Our findings suggest that neural network quantum states are a promising method for precise studies of lattice gauge theory.

We consider a heterotic version of six-dimensional Kodaira-Spencer gravity derived from the heterotic superpotential. We compute the one-loop partition function and find it can be expressed as a product of holomorphic Ray-Singer torsions. We discuss its topological properties and potential gauge and gravitational anomalies. We show these anomalies can be cancelled using Green-Schwarz-like counter-terms. We also discuss the dependence on the background geometry, and in particular the choice of hermitian metric needed for quantisation. Given suitable topological constraints, this dependence may again be cancelled by the addition of purely background-dependent counter-terms. We also explain how our methods provide the one-loop partition functions of a large class of more general holomorphic field theories in terms of holomorphic Ray-Singer torsions., Comment: 63 pages, 2 figures; v2: updated references and fixed typos

We give the first numerical calculation of the spectrum of the Laplacian acting on bundle-valued forms on a Calabi-Yau three-fold. Specifically, we show how to compute the approximate eigenvalues and eigenmodes of the Dolbeault Laplacian acting on bundle-valued $(p,q)$-forms on K\"ahler manifolds. We restrict our attention to line bundles over complex projective space and Calabi-Yau hypersurfaces therein. We give three examples. For two of these, $\mathbb{P}^3$ and a Calabi-Yau one-fold (a torus), we compare our numerics with exact results available in the literature and find complete agreement. For the third example, the Fermat quintic three-fold, there are no known analytic results, so our numerical calculations are the first of their kind. The resulting spectra pass a number of non-trivial checks that arise from Serre duality and the Hodge decomposition. The outputs of our algorithm include all the ingredients one needs to compute physical Yukawa couplings in string compactifications., Comment: 52 pages, 6 figures; v2 - corrected typo in quintic equation

We study the relation between supersymmetry and geometric flows driven by the Bianchi identity for the three-form flux $H$ in heterotic supergravity. We describe how the flow equations can be derived from a functional that appears in a rewriting of the bosonic action in terms of squares of supersymmetry operators. On a complex threefold, the resulting equations match what is known in the mathematics literature as "anomaly flow". We generalise this to seven- and eight-manifolds with G$_2$ or Spin(7) structures and discuss examples where the manifold is a torus fibration over a K3 surface. In the latter cases, the flow simplifies to a single scalar equation, with the existence of the supergravity solution implied by the long-time existence and convergence of the flow. We also comment on the $\alpha'$ expansion and highlight the importance of using the proper connection in the Bianchi identity to ensure that the flow's fixed points satisfy the supergravity equations of motion., Comment: 47 pages plus appendices

We consider the most general solutions of eleven-dimensional supergravity preserving $N=2$ supersymmetry whose metrics are warped products of three-dimensional anti-de Sitter space with an eight-dimensional manifold, focusing on those realising (2,0) superconformal symmetry. We give a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for a solution to be supersymmetric, which can be phrased, in the general case, in terms of a local SU(2) structure and its intrinsic torsion. We show that these supergravity backgrounds always admit a nowhere-vanishing Killing vector field that preserves the solution and encodes the U(1) R-symmetry of the dual field theory. We illustrate our results with examples which have appeared in the literature, including those with SU(4), G$_2$ and SU(3) structures, and discuss new classes of Minkowski solutions., Comment: 40 pages plus appendices; submission includes two Mathematica notebooks; v2: references added; v3: version accepted for publication

Calabi-Yau manifolds have played a key role in both mathematics and physics, and are particularly important for deriving realistic models of particle physics from string theory. Unfortunately, very little is known about the explicit metrics on these spaces, leaving us unable, for example, to compute particle masses or couplings in these models. We review recent progress in this direction on using numerical approximations to compute the spectrum of the Laplacian on these spaces. We give an example of what one can do with this new "data", giving a surprising link between Calabi-Yau metrics and random matrix theory., Comment: 6 pages + references, 2 figures. Contribution to Proceedings of the 2021 Nankai Symposium on Mathematical Dialogues

We apply machine learning to the problem of finding numerical Calabi-Yau metrics. We extend previous work on learning approximate Ricci-flat metrics calculated using Donaldson's algorithm to the much more accurate "optimal" metrics of Headrick and Nassar. We show that machine learning is able to predict the K\"ahler potential of a Calabi-Yau metric having seen only a small sample of training data., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures

We study the space of supersymmetric AdS$_5$ solutions of type IIB supergravity corresponding to the conformal manifold of the dual $\mathcal{N}=1$ conformal field theory. We show that the background geometry naturally encodes a generalised holomorphic structure, dual to the superpotential of the field theory, with the existence of the full solution following from a continuity argument. In particular, this provides a solution to the long-standing problem of finding the gravity dual of the generic $\mathcal{N}=1$ deformations of $\mathcal{N}=4$ conformal field theory. Using this formalism, we derive a new result for the Hilbert series of the deformed field theories., Comment: 5 pages

We study the use of machine learning for finding numerical hermitian Yang-Mills connections on line bundles over Calabi-Yau manifolds. Defining an appropriate loss function and focusing on the examples of an elliptic curve, a K3 surface and a quintic threefold, we show that neural networks can be trained to give a close approximation to hermitian Yang-Mills connections.

We study the topological $G_2$ and $Spin(7)$ strings at 1-loop. We define new double complexes for supersymmetric NSNS backgrounds of string theory using generalised geometry. The 1-loop partition function then has a target-space interpretation as a particular alternating product of determinants of Laplacians, which we have dubbed the analytic torsion. In the case without flux where these backgrounds have special holonomy, we reproduce the worldsheet calculation of the $G_2$ string and give a new prediction for the $Spin(7)$ string. We also comment on connections with topological strings on Calabi-Yau and K3 backgrounds., Comment: 92 pages, 4 figures

Using numerical methods for finding Ricci-flat metrics, we explore the spectrum of local operators in two-dimensional conformal field theories defined by sigma models on Calabi-Yau targets at large volume. Focusing on the examples of K3 and the quintic, we show that the spectrum, averaged over a region in complex structure moduli space, possesses the same statistical properties as the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble of random matrix theory., Comment: 37 pages, 7 figures; v2: typos corrected, added discussion on quantum chaos, accepted by JHEP

We give a formalism for constructing hidden sector bundles as extensions of sums of line bundles in heterotic $M$-theory. Although this construction is generic, we present it within the context of the specific Schoen threefold that leads to the physically realistic $B-L$ MSSM model. We discuss the embedding of the line bundles, the existence of the extension bundle, and a number of necessary conditions for the resulting bundle to be slope-stable and thus $N=1$ supersymmetric. An explicit example is presented, where two line bundles are embedded into the $SU(3)$ factor of the $E_{6} \times SU(3)$ maximal subgroup of the hidden sector $E_{8}$ gauge group, and then enhanced to a non-Abelian $SU(3)$ bundle by extension. For this example, there are in fact six inequivalent extension branches, significantly generalizing that space of solutions compared with hidden sectors constructed from a single line bundle., Comment: 51 pages, 5 figures

We use numerical methods to obtain moduli-dependent Calabi-Yau metrics and from them the moduli-dependent massive tower of Kaluza-Klein states for the one-parameter family of quintic Calabi-Yau manifolds. We then compute geodesic distances in their K\"ahler and complex structure moduli space using exact expressions from mirror symmetry, approximate expressions, and numerical methods and compare the results. Finally, we fit the moduli-dependence of the massive spectrum to the geodesic distance to obtain the rate at which states become exponentially light. The result is indeed of order one, as suggested by the swampland distance conjecture. We also observe level-crossing in the eigenvalue spectrum and find that states in small irreducible representations of the symmetry group tend to become lighter than states in larger irreducible representations., Comment: references added and minor changes, 10 pages, 5 figures

The strongly coupled heterotic M-theory vacuum for both the observable and hidden sectors of the $B-L$ MSSM theory is reviewed, including a discussion of the "bundle" constraints that both the observable sector $SU(4)$ vector bundle and the a hidden sector bundle induced from a line bundle must satisfy. Gaugino condensation is then introduced within this context, and the hidden sector bundles that exhibit gaugino condensation are presented. The condensation scale is computed, singling out one line bundle whose associated condensation scale is low enough to be compatible with the energy scales available at the LHC. The corresponding region of K\"ahler moduli space where all bundle constraints are satisfied is presented. The generic form of the moduli dependent $F$-terms due to a gaugino superpotential - which spontaneously break $N=1$ supersymmetry in this sector - is presented and then given explicitly for the unique line bundle associated with the low condensation scale. The moduli dependent coefficients for each of the gaugino and scalar field soft supersymmetry breaking terms are computed leading to a low-energy effective Lagrangian for the observable sector matter fields. We then show that at a large number of points in K\"ahler moduli space that satisfy all "bundle" constraints, these coefficients are initial conditions for the renormalization group equations which, at low energy, lead to completely realistic physics satisfying all phenomenological constraints. Finally, we show that a substantial number of these initial points also satisfy a final constraint arising from the quadratic Higgs-Higgs conjugate soft supersymmetry breaking term., Comment: v2: typos corrected; 58 pages, 7 figures

We present a numerical algorithm for computing the spectrum of the Laplace-de Rham operator on Calabi-Yau manifolds, extending previous work on the scalar Laplace operator. Using an approximate Calabi-Yau metric as input, we compute the eigenvalues and eigenforms of the Laplace operator acting on $(p,q)$-forms for the example of the Fermat quintic threefold. We provide a check of our algorithm by computing the spectrum of $(p,q)$-eigenforms on $\mathbb{P}^{3}$., Comment: 38 pages, 17 figures, 4 tables; v2: increased number of points in numerical integration; v3: updated plots, version submitted for peer review

The compactification from the eleven-dimensional Ho\v{r}ava-Witten orbifold to five-dimensional heterotic M-theory on a Schoen Calabi-Yau threefold is reviewed, as is the specific $SU(4)$ vector bundle leading to the "heterotic standard model" in the observable sector. Within the context of strongly coupled heterotic M-theory, a formalism for consistent hidden-sector bundles associated with a single line bundle is presented, and a specific line bundle is introduced as a concrete example. Anomaly cancellation and the associated bulk space five-branes are discussed in this context, as is the constraint that the hidden sector bundle be compatible with the slope-stability requirements of the observable sector $SU(4)$ gauge bundle. The further compactification to a four-dimensional effective theory on a linearized BPS double domain wall is then presented to order $\kappa_{11}^{4/3}$. Specifically, the generic constraints required for anomaly cancellation and the restrictions imposed by positive squared gauge couplings to order $\kappa_{11}^{4/3}$ are presented in detail. Three additional constraints are imposed, one guaranteeing that the $S^{1}/{\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ orbifold length is sufficiently larger than the average Calabi-Yau radius, and two enforcing that the hidden sector be compatible with both the unification mass scale and unified gauge coupling of the $SO(10)$ group in the observable sector. Finally, the expression for the Fayet-Iliopoulos term associated with an anomalous $U(1)$ symmetry is presented and its role in $N=1$ supersymmetry in the low-energy effective theory is discussed. It is shown that $N=1$ supersymmetry can be preserved by cancelling the tree-level and genus-one contributions against each another., Comment: v4: typos and improved discussion of non-vanishing FI term; v3: typos and references added; v2: Major revision and new material added; 76 pages, 15 figures

We describe the geometry of generic heterotic backgrounds preserving minimal supersymmetry in four dimensions using the language of generalised geometry. They are characterised by an $SU(3)\times Spin(6+n)$ structure within $O(6,6+n)\times\mathbb{R}^+$ generalised geometry. Supersymmetry of the background is encoded in the existence of an involutive subbundle of the generalised tangent bundle and the vanishing of a moment map for the action of diffeomorphisms and gauge symmetries. We give both the superpotential and the K\"ahler potential for a generic background, showing that the latter defines a natural Hitchin functional for heterotic geometries. Intriguingly, this formulation suggests new connections to geometric invariant theory and an extended notion of stability. Finally we show that the analysis of infinitesimal deformations of these geometric structures naturally reproduces the known cohomologies that count the massless moduli of supersymmetric heterotic backgrounds., Comment: 50 pages; references added

We apply machine learning to the problem of finding numerical Calabi-Yau metrics. Building on Donaldson's algorithm for calculating balanced metrics on K\"ahler manifolds, we combine conventional curve fitting and machine-learning techniques to numerically approximate Ricci-flat metrics. We show that machine learning is able to predict the Calabi-Yau metric and quantities associated with it, such as its determinant, having seen only a small sample of training data. Using this in conjunction with a straightforward curve fitting routine, we demonstrate that it is possible to find highly accurate numerical metrics much more quickly than by using Donaldson's algorithm alone, with our new machine-learning algorithm decreasing the time required by between one and two orders of magnitude., Comment: 56 pages, 14 figures, references added

We analyse the geometry of generic Minkowski $\mathcal{N}=1$, $D=4$ flux compactifications in string theory, the default backgrounds for string model building. In M-theory they are the natural string theoretic extensions of $\mathrm{G}_2$ holonomy manifolds. In type II theories, they extend the notion of Calabi--Yau geometry and include the class of flux backgrounds based on generalised complex structures first considered by Gra\~na et al. (GMPT). Using $\mathrm{E}_{7(7)}\times\mathbb{R}^+$ generalised geometry we show that these compactifications are characterised by an $\mathrm{SU}(7)\subset\mathrm{E}_{7(7)}$ structure defining an involutive subbundle of the generalised tangent space, and with a vanishing moment map, corresponding to the action of the diffeomorphism and gauge symmetries of the theory. The K\"ahler potential on the space of structures defines a natural extension of Hitchin's $\mathrm{G}_2$ functional. Using this framework we are able to count, for the first time, the massless scalar moduli of GMPT solutions in terms of generalised geometry cohomology groups. It also provides an intriguing new perspective on the existence of $G_{2}$ manifolds, suggesting possible connections to Geometrical Invariant Theory and stability.

We study exactly marginal deformations of 3d $\mathcal{N}=2$ CFTs dual to AdS$_4$ solutions in eleven-dimensional supergravity using generalised geometry. Focussing on Sasaki-Einstein backgrounds, we find that marginal deformations correspond to turning on a four-form flux on the internal space at first order. Viewing this as the deformation of a generalised structure, we derive a general expression for the four-form flux in terms of a holomorphic function. We discuss the explicit examples of S$^7$, Q$^{1,1,1}$ and M$^{1,1,1}$ and, using an obstruction analysis, find the conditions for the first-order deformations to extend all orders, thus identifying which marginal deformations are exactly marginal. We also show how the all-orders $\gamma$-deformation of Lunin and Maldacena can be encoded as a tri-vector deformation in generalised geometry and outline how to recover the supergravity solution from the generalised metric., Comment: 37 pages; references added in v3

We consider finite deformations of the Hull--Strominger system. Starting from the heterotic superpotential, we identify complex coordinates on the off-shell parameter space. Expanding the superpotential around a supersymmetric vacuum leads to a third-order Maurer--Cartan equation that controls the moduli. The resulting complex effective action generalises that of both Kodaira--Spencer and holomorphic Chern--Simons theory. The supersymmetric locus of this action is described by an $L_3$ algebra., Comment: 65 pages, including 5 appendices

We apply exceptional generalised geometry to the study of exactly marginal deformations of $\mathcal{N}=1$ SCFTs that are dual to generic AdS$_5$ flux backgrounds in type IIB or eleven-dimensional supergravity. In the gauge theory, marginal deformations are parametrised by the space of chiral primary operators of conformal dimension three, while exactly marginal deformations correspond to quotienting this space by the complexified global symmetry group. We show how the supergravity analysis gives a geometric interpretation of the gauge theory results. The marginal deformations arise from deformations of generalised structures that solve moment maps for the generalised diffeomorphism group and have the correct charge under the generalised Reeb vector, generating the R-symmetry. If this is the only symmetry of the background, all marginal deformations are exactly marginal. If the background possesses extra isometries, there are obstructions that come from fixed points of the moment maps. The exactly marginal deformations are then given by a further quotient by these extra isometries. Our analysis holds for any $\mathcal{N}=2$ AdS$_5$ flux background. Focussing on the particular case of type IIB Sasaki-Einstein backgrounds we recover the result that marginal deformations correspond to perturbing the solution by three-form flux at first order. In various explicit examples, we show that our expression for the three-form flux matches those in the literature and the obstruction conditions match the one-loop beta functions of the dual SCFT., Comment: 52 pages

We analyse generic AdS flux backgrounds preserving eight supercharges in $D=4$ and $D=5$ dimensions using exceptional generalised geometry. We show that they are described by a pair of globally defined, generalised structures, identical to those that appear for flat flux backgrounds but with different integrability conditions. We give a number of explicit examples of such "exceptional Sasaki-Einstein" backgrounds in type IIB supergravity and M-theory. In particular, we give the complete analysis of the generic AdS$_5$ M-theory backgrounds. We also briefly discuss the structure of the moduli space of solutions. In all cases, one structure defines a "generalised Reeb vector" that generates a Killing symmetry of the background corresponding to the R-symmetry of the dual field theory, and in addition encodes the generic contact structures that appear in the $D=4$ M-theory and $D=5$ type IIB cases. Finally, we investigate the relation between generalised structures and quantities in the dual field theory, showing that the central charge and R-charge of BPS wrapped-brane states are both encoded by the generalised Reeb vector, as well as discussing how volume minimisation (the dual of $a$- and $\mathcal{F}$-maximisation) is encoded., Comment: 40 pages

In this paper we define the analogue of Calabi--Yau geometry for generic $D=4$, $\mathcal{N}=2$ flux backgrounds in type II supergravity and M-theory. We show that solutions of the Killing spinor equations are in one-to-one correspondence with integrable, globally defined structures in $E_{7(7)}\times\mathbb{R}^+$ generalised geometry. Such "exceptional Calabi--Yau" geometries are determined by two generalised objects that parametrise hyper- and vector-multiplet degrees of freedom and generalise conventional complex, symplectic and hyper-Kahler geometries. The integrability conditions for both hyper- and vector-multiplet structures are given by the vanishing of moment maps for the "generalised diffeomorphism group" of diffeomorphisms combined with gauge transformations. We give a number of explicit examples and discuss the structure of the moduli spaces of solutions. We then extend our construction to $D=5$ and $D=6$ flux backgrounds preserving eight supercharges, where similar structures appear, and finally discuss the analogous structures in $O(d,d)\times\mathbb{R}^+$ generalised geometry., Comment: 68 pages plus appendices

We study the Poincare polynomials of all known Calabi-Yau three-folds as constrained polynomials of Littlewood type, thus generalising the well-known investigation into the distribution of the Euler characteristic and Hodge numbers. We find interesting fractal behaviour in the roots of these polynomials in relation to the existence of isometries, distribution versus typicality, and mirror symmetry., Comment: 14 pages, 6 figures, invited contribution to the Max Kreuzer Memorial Volume, based on MPhys project of the first author under the supervision of the second, at the University of Oxford

Laser-driven Plasma Accelerators (LPA) have successfully generated high energy, high charge electron bunches which can reach many kA peak current, over short distances. Space charge issues, even in transport lines as simple as a drift section, have to be carefully taken into account since they can degrade the beam quality, preventing any further application of such electron beams. We analyse the space charge effects within an electron bunch with numerical simulations in order to assess their effect on the beam. We use LPA beam parameters published in previous experimental studies. These studies can give an indication of the working point where space charge can dominate the beam dynamics and has to be taken into account in the application of such beams.