Comments on a-maximization from gauged supergravity

Abstract

In this paper we study the holographic dual to a-maximization in five-dimensional N = 2 gauged supergravity. In particular, we apply the procedure described by Tachikawa to specific examples consisting of holographic duals to gauge theories arising as the IR limit of N M5-branes wrapping a Riemann surface. A key element of this analysis is a consistent truncation of seven-dimensional N = 4 SO(5) gauged supergravity reduced on a Riemann surface. We demonstrate the consistency of this truncation and match to a sector of five-dimensional matter-coupled N = 2 gauged supergravity. We determine the U(1)_R symmetry and central charge of these theories and find agreement with the literature. The final results provide a nontrivial illustration of the holographic interpretation of a-maximization.