Superconformal index and gravitational path-integral

Abstract: AdS/CFT provides a consistent non-perturbative definition of quantum gravity in asymptotically AdS spacetimes. Black holes should correspond to ensembles of states in the boundary field theory. By performing a careful analysis of the superconformal index of 4d N=4 SU(N) Super-Yang-Mills theory, with the help of a Bethe Ansatz type formula, we are able to exactly reproduce the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy of BPS black holes in AdS5 x S5. The large N limit exhibits many competing contributions, that we are able to identify with complex saddles of the (putative) gravitational path-integral. Along the way we propose a necessary condition for complex saddles to contribute, based on the size of their non-perturbative corrections. Such a prescription exactly matches the field theory analysis.

HEP - theory

Audience: researchers in the topic

Rencontres Théoriciennes

Series comments: Description: Bi-weekly meeting of string theorists in greater Paris