Equivariant Localization for N=2 Theories with Hypermultiplets

Abstract

Equivariant localization in the $Ω$-background is a powerful technique for the evaluation of the partition function of $\mathcal{N}=2$ supersymmetric field theory on a toric four-manifold. For the complex projective plane $\mathbb{CP}^2$, we apply equivariant localization to supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories with gauge groups $SU(2)$ and $SO(3)$ with $N_f$ massive hypermultiplets in the fundamental representation, and the $\mathcal{N}=2^*$ theory with the hypermultiplet in the adjoint representation. We evaluate equivariant correlation functions, which provide an equivariant extension of intersection numbers of moduli spaces of instantons on $\mathbb{CP}^2$, such as Euler numbers and Segre invariants. In the non-equivariant limit, we compare our results with the evaluation using low energy field theory and integration over the $u$-plane. Using this comparison, we identify a specific overall factor, which captures the difference between a partition function for gauge group $U(2)$ and $SU(2)$ or $SO(3)$ on a compact four-manifold. We also discuss our results in the context of $S$-duality of the $N_f=4$ and $\mathcal{N}=2^*$ theory, which includes the triality automorphism group of the flavor group for $N_f=4$.