Princeton University High Energy Theory Seminar

Regge's Inferno

Abstract: We study large-spin operators in conformal field theories (CFTs) in spacetime dimensions d>2 by placing the theory on appropriate pp-wave backgrounds. From thermodynamics on these spacetimes, we obtain strong constraints on the asymptotic spectrum in the large-spin limit. The pp-wave backgrounds probe both the small-twist regime, corresponding to the Regge or light-cone bootstrap, and a strongly coupled regime of large twist. Causality on these spacetimes leads to a new unitarity bound in 3+1 dimensions.  

Date & Time

May 15, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Add to calendar 05/15/2026 11:00 05/15/2026 12:00 Princeton University High Energy Theory Seminar use-title Topic: Regge's Inferno Speakers: Zohar Komargodski, SCGP, Stony Brook University More: https://www.ias.edu/sns/events/princeton-university-high-energy-theory-seminar-51 ABSTRACT: We study large-spin operators in conformal field theories (CFTs) in spacetime dimensions d>2 by placing the theory on appropriate pp-wave backgrounds. From thermodynamics on these spacetimes, we obtain strong constraints on the asymptotic spectrum in the large-spin limit. The pp-wave backgrounds probe both the small-twist regime, corresponding to the Regge or light-cone bootstrap, and a strongly coupled regime of large twist. Causality on these spacetimes leads to a new unitarity bound in 3+1 dimensions.   Jadwin Hall, PCTS Room 407 a7a99c3d46944b65a08073518d638c23

Location

Jadwin Hall, PCTS Room 407

Speakers

Zohar Komargodski, SCGP, Stony Brook University

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