Abstract
We consider a general unitary scalar conformal field theory with a linear defect in and a surface defect in . Using holography and the Hamilton-Jacobi formalism, we show that the functions controlling the defect renormalization group (RG) flow are the gradient of the entropy function. This allows the proof that the relevant -functions decrease monotonically along the RG flow. We provide evidence that this property also holds in the full quantum theory for general scalar field theories. An obstruction to the gradient property seems to appear at two-loop order when fermions are added.
- Received 30 June 2023
- Accepted 26 July 2023
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.108.L041701
Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI. Funded by SCOAP3.
Published by the American Physical Society