One constant to rule them all

Abstract

We study the coupling matrix of $\mathcal{N}=2$ $SU(N)$ gauge theories with $2N$ fundamental hypermultiplets in the special vacuum, where a residual $\mathbb{Z}_N$ symmetry restores nontrivial modular structure. Using symmetry and dimensional arguments, we construct its general form and identify $\lfloor N/2 \rfloor$ coupling constants in their most natural basis. We show that in the massless theory these couplings transform independently under $S$-duality and that the bare coupling is a modular function of any of them. One coupling constant, however, plays a distinguished role, emerging in the asymptotic regime and in instanton recursion relation. In the massive case, this structure is deformed but the distinguished coupling retains its privileged role.