Exact global symmetry generators for restricted Schur polynomials

Abstract

The six scalar fields in N = 4 super Yang-Mills theory enjoy a global SO(6) symmetry, and large N but non-planar limits of this theory are well-described by adopting a group representation approach. Studies have shown that the one-loop dilatation operator is highly determined by the action of the su(2)=su(3) subalgebras on restricted Schur polynomials. These actions involve the traces of products of projection operators. In this dissertation, exact analytical formulae for these traces are found which in turn are used to find the exact action of these algebras on restricted Schur polynomials. The potential of the su(2) algebra to determine the one-loop dilatation operator is also explored. This is done by exploiting necessary symmetry conditions and moving to a continuum limit in order to derive a number of partial differential equations which determine the dilatation operator. The ultimate goal of this work is to provide tools to find the exact one-loop dilatation operator in the non-planar limit.