Dr. Monica Pate is Associate Professor of Physics at New York University, where she investigates the extent to which gravitational systems admit holographic descriptions. She earned her BS in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her MS and PhD in Physics from Harvard University.
Title: From Asymptotic Symmetries to Infinite Symmetry Algebras in Conformal Field Theory
Abstract: The recent discovery of a known infinite-dimensional algebra, w(1+infinity), among the asymptotic symmetries of four-dimensional asymptotically flat spacetimes has been interpreted as key evidence in support of a bottom-up approach to flat-space (a.k.a. celestial) holography. In particular, since a holographic theory must realize the symmetries of its associated gravitational dual, large universal symmetries in principle impose fairly stringent constraints on a holographic correspondence. Of course, concrete progress relies crucially on the precise strength of the constraints from symmetry. Thus in pursuit of this larger goal, in this seminar, I will identify a precise avatar of the universal w(1+infinity) symmetry algebra that persists in the absence of gravity and in particular is realized in generic interacting four-dimensional conformal field theories. The generators of algebra are light-ray operators formed from null integrals of the stress tensor that generalize the average null energy operator. I will discuss potential implications for conformal field theories in greater than two spacetime dimensions and celestial holography.
