Finite scalar field theory with SU(1,1) spacetime symmetry from near-BPS limits of $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM

Abstract

In this work, we consider an interacting and matrix-valued scalar quantum field theory that emerges from a near-BPS decoupling limit of $\mathcal{N}=4$ super Yang-Mills. The theory is non-Lorentzian with SU(1,1) spacetime symmetry and admits a (semi-)local action formulation. The interaction can be viewed as arising from a non-abelian gauge field without propagating degrees of freedom. The proposed field theory action has previously been considered as classically equivalent to SU(1,1) Spin Matrix theory. In this work, we examine this equivalence at the quantum level. We show that the classical action is off-shell invariant under the SU(1,1) symmetry group. We then analyze the renormalization properties, showing the theory is finite at all orders in perturbation theory. This provides a rare example of a non-supersymmetric and non-Lorentzian quantum field theory where a non-renormalization theorem holds.