High Energy Theory Seminar

In this talk we explore the connection between asymptotic soft physics and subregional physics in Maxwell theory. We discuss how subregional edge modes can be understood as U(1) reference frames built from the dynamical field content and how this leads to a natural classification into intrinsic and extrinsic edge modes. The latter correspond to the inclusion into the subregional algebra of certain observables with complement support. This leads to a universal extension of the subregional phase space by a gauge-invariant corner Goldstone symplectic pair. The corner symmetries thus inherit a relational interpretation and include the asymptotic large gauge transformations. We then consider a subregion bounded by a timelike tube (a lab) and provide a classification of the gauge-invariant boundary conditions compatible with corner symmetries. This lab is sensitive to the soft physics at infinity. We conclude with some on-going directions.

The talk is in 469 Lauritsen.

Contact theoryinfo@caltech.edu for Zoom information.