Abstract

The speaker will discuss weakly coupled U(1) theories in three dimensional AdS space, their associated charged BTZ solutions, and their charged spectra. Modular invariance of the holographic dual two-dimensional CFT and compactness of the gauge group, together, imply the existence of charged operators with conformal dimension significantly below the black hole threshold. This can be regarded as a form of the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) in three dimensions. He will also explore the constraints posed by modular invariance on a particular discrete symmetry which arises in this setup. In this case, modular invariance does not guarantee the existence of light charged states. He will also highlight the differences between the discussion and the usual heuristic arguments for the WGC based on black hole remnants.

The seminar is free and open to all. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
Enquiries: ias@ust.hk / 2358 5912
http://ias.ust.hk