{"title":"Unimodular time in JT gravity: a holographic clock","authors":"Altay Etkin, Farbod-Sayyed Rassouli","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)193","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)193","url":null,"abstract":"<p>How is a “bulk clock” encoded holographically? We address this in Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity, where a natural physical clock emerges by promoting the vacuum energy to a dynamical variable: the vacuum cosmological constant becomes a top form degree of freedom conjugate to spacetime volume, thereby defining a notion of bulk physical time. This construction is naturally formulated in the Henneaux-Teitelboim (HT) framework. We show that the boundary dynamics is the Schwarzian mode coupled to a free particle on U(1), matching the universal low-energy effective action of the complex SYK model. By further clarifying the role of the vacuum cosmological constant as a top form, we establish the equivalence between JT gravity coupled to two-dimensional Maxwell theory and 2d HT gravity via an explicit field redefinition. The initial question is addressed: we show that the resulting boundary theory can itself be rewritten as an observer action, equivalently a (0 + 1)-dimensional HT theory. This yields a direct identification of the boundary clock with the U(1) phase mode, and makes its relation to the bulk clock explicit.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)193.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giacomo Cacciapaglia, Aldo Deandrea, Christian Verollet
{"title":"Electroweak precision tests for asymptotic grand unification models","authors":"Giacomo Cacciapaglia, Aldo Deandrea, Christian Verollet","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)201","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)201","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Asymptotic grand unification is an alternative framework to traditional quantitative unification, as the renormalisation flow leads towards an ultra-violet safe fixed point. Phenomenologically, 5-dimensional realisations permit new particles with masses as low as the TeV scale, well below the usual unification scale. We explore the impact of such models on electroweak precision observables, focusing on a minimal SU(5) template for concreteness. We show that current precision electroweak measurements are not sensitive to this class of models, but bounds in the TeV range can be obtained by recasting LHC analyses. Future colliders, such as CEPC and FCC-ee, can push the 95% limit on the Kaluza-Klein mass beyond the direct reach of the LHC programme.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)201.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Symmetries, operators and correlators in ( Joverline{T} ) deformed CFTs","authors":"Liangyu Chen, Zhengyuan Du, Wei Song","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)194","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)194","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We use symmetries to define a new class of operators and compute their correlation functions in the <span>( Joverline{T} )</span>-deformed conformal field theory on the plane, following the strategy developed in [1]. The symmetry algebra of the deformed theory consists of a local Virasoro-Kac-Moody algebra in the left-moving sector and a non-local counterpart in the right-moving sector. This algebraic structure guides the definition of distinct operator classes. In this paper, we focus on two types of operators: <i>Dressed</i> operators transform as primaries under the symmetries and depend on non-local coordinates, which involve integration over a region. <i>Physical</i> operators, introduced in this work, depend only on local quantities at the classical level and can be expressed in a manageable way in terms of dressed operators and currents. At the quantum level, we assume the existence of dressed operators and the Ward identities that relate them. The physical operators are then defined via the dressed operators and currents, the expression of which is a natural uplifting of the classical version. This formulation allows the powerful constraints of conformal symmetry to be leveraged for computing physical observables. Consequently, we employ conformal perturbation theory to compute the two-point and <i>N</i>-point functions of physical operators. In momentum space, we sum the most UV-sensitive contributions to all orders; the results show precise agreement with string theory predictions. In position space, the leading-log contributions to the two-point correlators are summed to all orders in the deformation parameter, revealing non-perturbative behavior.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)194.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giacomo Cacciapaglia, Aldo Deandrea, Christian Verollet
{"title":"Electroweak precision tests for asymptotic grand unification models","authors":"Giacomo Cacciapaglia, Aldo Deandrea, Christian Verollet","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)201","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)201","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Asymptotic grand unification is an alternative framework to traditional quantitative unification, as the renormalisation flow leads towards an ultra-violet safe fixed point. Phenomenologically, 5-dimensional realisations permit new particles with masses as low as the TeV scale, well below the usual unification scale. We explore the impact of such models on electroweak precision observables, focusing on a minimal SU(5) template for concreteness. We show that current precision electroweak measurements are not sensitive to this class of models, but bounds in the TeV range can be obtained by recasting LHC analyses. Future colliders, such as CEPC and FCC-ee, can push the 95% limit on the Kaluza-Klein mass beyond the direct reach of the LHC programme.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)201.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Strong-coupling results in (non-)conformal 𝒩 = 2 theories with fundamental flavors","authors":"M. Billò, A. Lerda, A. Testa","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)203","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)203","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We study a class of four-dimensional 𝒩 = 2 SU(<i>N</i>) gauge theories with two massless hypermultiplets in the rank-two antisymmetric representation and 0 ≤ <i>N</i><sub>F</sub> ≤ 4 fundamental flavors. These theories are superconformal for <i>N</i><sub>F</sub> = 4 and asymptotically free otherwise. Supersymmetric localization on the four-sphere applies in both cases and leads to matrix-model representations for a broad class of protected observables. Within this framework, we compute the free energy and the expectation value of the <span>( frac{1}{2} )</span>-BPS circular Wilson loop in the large-<i>N</i> limit. For any <i>N</i><sub>F</sub>, we show that the infinite series of non-planar corrections at large ’t Hooft coupling <i>λ</i> can be resummed in terms of an effective coupling <span>( overset{sim }{lambda } )</span>. In the non-conformal window (0 ≤ <i>N</i><sub>F</sub> < 4), this provides a first example in which localization leads to explicit results in the planar limit at strong ’t Hooft coupling. In the superconformal case (<i>N</i><sub>F</sub> = 4), the large-<i>N</i> expansion in <span>( overset{sim }{lambda } )</span> suggests a refined AdS/CFT dictionary in which <span>( overset{sim }{lambda } )</span>, rather than <i>λ</i>, plays the role of the bulk string coupling.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)203.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chiral holography","authors":"Atul Sharma, David Skinner","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)202","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)202","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Using twistor string theory, we engineer a gravitational holographic dual of the self-dual sector of <span>( mathcal{N} )</span> = 4 super Yang-Mills theory. This provides a top-down example of holography at zero ’t Hooft coupling. Our holographic dictionary operates at the level of D-branes wrapping twistor lines and generalizes the D-instanton prescription used to compute scattering amplitudes. As an application, we study the correlators of determinant operators that act as generating functions of half-BPS operators in the self-dual theory. We show that these correlators are dual to configurations of giant gravitons in the bulk.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)202.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Symmetries, operators and correlators in ( Joverline{T} ) deformed CFTs","authors":"Liangyu Chen, Zhengyuan Du, Wei Song","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)194","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)194","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We use symmetries to define a new class of operators and compute their correlation functions in the <span>( Joverline{T} )</span>-deformed conformal field theory on the plane, following the strategy developed in [1]. The symmetry algebra of the deformed theory consists of a local Virasoro-Kac-Moody algebra in the left-moving sector and a non-local counterpart in the right-moving sector. This algebraic structure guides the definition of distinct operator classes. In this paper, we focus on two types of operators: <i>Dressed</i> operators transform as primaries under the symmetries and depend on non-local coordinates, which involve integration over a region. <i>Physical</i> operators, introduced in this work, depend only on local quantities at the classical level and can be expressed in a manageable way in terms of dressed operators and currents. At the quantum level, we assume the existence of dressed operators and the Ward identities that relate them. The physical operators are then defined via the dressed operators and currents, the expression of which is a natural uplifting of the classical version. This formulation allows the powerful constraints of conformal symmetry to be leveraged for computing physical observables. Consequently, we employ conformal perturbation theory to compute the two-point and <i>N</i>-point functions of physical operators. In momentum space, we sum the most UV-sensitive contributions to all orders; the results show precise agreement with string theory predictions. In position space, the leading-log contributions to the two-point correlators are summed to all orders in the deformation parameter, revealing non-perturbative behavior.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)194.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"On gauging finite symmetries by higher gauging condensation defects","authors":"Yuan Xue, Eric Y. Yang, Zipei Zhang","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)179","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)179","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Based on the work by Córdova-Costa-Hsin [1], we propose an EFT-style, Lagrangian procedure to gauge finite 0-form symmetries in untwisted Dijkgraaf-Witten gauge theories on closed oriented manifolds using higher gauging condensation defects and point out its limitations. Using this proposal, we construct effective actions of untwisted Dijkgraaf-Witten theories with Heisenberg gauge group over ℤ<sub><i>p</i></sub> and show that the braiding data from Hopf link and the fusion rules match with the expected discrete gauge theories. We also study the symTFT implications of these effective Lagrangians and clarify their relations with higher group global symmetries.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)179.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Braneworlds in constant and accelerated motion and their causal characteristics","authors":"Ryan Debolt, David Kagan","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)192","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)192","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We generalize previous work on the signatures of bulk signals detected by brane-based observers in a spacetime with a compactified dimension. When such braneworlds move with constant velocities or constant proper accelerations in the extra dimension, the observers may witness apparent superluminal signaling. Our analysis includes tilted branes that are partially wrapped along the compact dimension. We identify parameters that help characterize various scenarios, and verify that anisotropies arising in the propagation of signals through the bulk ensure that causality is not violated, despite the apparent superluminal signaling effects. Some of the effects studied here could be the basis for alternative cosmological models, as well as observable signatures of braneworld scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)192.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"On gauging finite symmetries by higher gauging condensation defects","authors":"Yuan Xue, Eric Y. Yang, Zipei Zhang","doi":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)179","DOIUrl":"10.1007/JHEP08(2026)179","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Based on the work by Córdova-Costa-Hsin [1], we propose an EFT-style, Lagrangian procedure to gauge finite 0-form symmetries in untwisted Dijkgraaf-Witten gauge theories on closed oriented manifolds using higher gauging condensation defects and point out its limitations. Using this proposal, we construct effective actions of untwisted Dijkgraaf-Witten theories with Heisenberg gauge group over ℤ<sub><i>p</i></sub> and show that the braiding data from Hopf link and the fusion rules match with the expected discrete gauge theories. We also study the symTFT implications of these effective Lagrangians and clarify their relations with higher group global symmetries.</p>","PeriodicalId":635,"journal":{"name":"Journal of High Energy Physics","volume":"2026 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP08(2026)179.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}