Monodromy defects in ABJM theory and integrability

Abstract

We establish that supersymmetric monodromy defects in ABJM theory, also known as vortex loops, define integrable boundary states of the underlying alternating SU(4) spin chain. Exploiting the KT relation within the framework of the algebraic Bethe ansatz, we derive a closed-form expression for the leading-order one-point functions of non- protected operators in the presence of these defects. As a special case, our result reproduces the spin-chain overlap governing the three-point functions of two maximal giant gravitons and a single tiny graviton. We furthermore investigate the quantization of the theory in the defect background and compute the first quantum correction to the one-point functions in the simplest setting. Finally, we discuss possible extensions of our overlap formula.