Twisted-Circle Compactifications of SQCD-like Theories and Holography

Abstract

We construct and analyse holographic duals to a class of four-dimensional N = 1 SU($N_c$) SQCD-like theories compactified on a circle with an R-symmetry twist. The setup originates from type IIB backgrounds previously proposed as duals to SQCD with $N_f$ fundamental flavours. The U(1) R-symmetry is anomaly-free only if $ N_f = 2N_c$. We implement a supersymmetric twisted-circle reduction, holographically realised through a smoothly shrinking $S^1$ fibered over the internal U(1)$_R$ direction. We obtain new regular type IIB supergravity backgrounds that are valid only if the condition $N_f = 2N_c$ is satisfied--mirroring the anomaly cancellation requirement in the field theory. We compute various field-theoretic observables--including the Chern-Simons level, Wilson loop and the holographic central charge--showing the emergence of a 3D ${\cal N} = 2$ gapped phase consistent with a Chern-Simons TQFT. This work highlights the interplay between anomalies, supersymmetry, and geometry in the holographic realisation of compactified gauge theories with fundamental matter.