I propose to study local defect operators in non-abelian gauge theory in four dimensions, with and without supersymmetry. Previous investigations of such operators in three dimensional theories have proven exceedingly useful in describing infrared phases and motivating dualities. Potential applications include the study of the confining phase of non-abelian theories, global symmetry enhancement, and the operator map in electricmagnetic duality. The main tools being exploited are the state-operator correspondence and supersymmetric localization.

Yaakov Itamar – INFN MI BICOCCA

Dr. Itamar Yaakov (PhD in Physics in 2012) is a researcher in theoretical high energy physics, currently working at the INFN section in Milano-Bicocca. His research is centered on theoretical aspects of quantum field theory, with an emphasis on non-perturbative gauge theories and their strongly coupled phases. He has previously worked on supersymmetric localization, duality in supersymmetric gauge theories, defect operators, information theoretic aspects of Quantum Field Theory, and black hole microstate counting.