M-Theory Reconstruction from (2,0) CFT and the Chiral Algebra Conjecture

Abstract

We study various aspects of the M-theory uplift of the $A_{N-1}$ series of $(2,0)$ CFTs in 6d, which describe the worldvolume theory of $N$ M5 branes in flat space. We show how knowledge of OPE coefficients and scaling dimensions for this CFT can be directly translated into features of the momentum expansion of M-theory. In particular, we develop the expansion of the four-graviton S-matrix in M-theory via the flat space limit of four-point Mellin amplitudes. This includes correctly reproducing the known contribution of the $R^4$ term from 6d CFT data. Central to the calculation are the OPE coefficients for half-BPS operators not in the stress tensor multiplet, which we obtain for finite $N$ via the previously conjectured relation [arXiv:1404.1079] between the quantum ${\cal W}_N$ algebra and the $A_{N-1}$ $(2,0)$ CFT. We further explain how the $1/N$ expansion of ${\cal W}_N$ structure constants exhibits the structure of protected vertices in the M-theory action. Conversely, our results provide strong evidence for the chiral algebra conjecture.