A tale of exceptional 3d dualities

Abstract

We consider interesting Seiberg dualities for $Usp$ gauge theories with an antisymmetric, $8$ fundamentals and no superpotential. We reduce to three dimensions and systematically analyze deformations triggered by real and complex masses, reaching a plethora of $\mathcal{N}\!=\!2$ dualities for $U(N)$ and $Usp(2N)$ gauge theories, possibly with monopole superpotentials and Chern-Simons interactions. Special cases of these "exceptional dualities" are: supersymmetry enhancement dualities, "duality appetizers" and many known dualities relating rank-$1$ gauge groups. The $4d$ $\mathcal{N}\!=\!1$ $Usp$ dualities provide a unified perspective on many curious phenomena of $3d$ and $4d$ gauge theories with four supercharges. Finally, we propose a free mirror for $A_{2N}$ Argyres-Douglas, with its related adjoint-$Usp(2N)$ duality, and we construct a mirror for adjoint-$U(N)$, with an arbitrary number flavors and zero superpotential.