A two-dimensional integrable axionic sigma-model and T-duality

Abstract

An $S$-matrix is proposed for the two dimensional O(3) $\sigma$-model with a dynamical $\theta$-term (axion model). Exploiting an Abelian T-duality transformation connecting the axion model to an integrable SU(2)$\times$U(1) symmetric principal $\sigma$-model, strong evidence is presented for the correctness of the proposed $S$-matrix by comparing the perturbatively calculated free energies with the ones based on the Thermodynamical Bethe Ansatz. This T-duality transformation also leads to a new Lax-pair for both models. The quantum non-integrability of the O(3) $\sigma$-model with a {\sl constant} $\theta$-term, in contradistinction to the axion model, is illustrated by calculating the $2\to3$ particle production amplitude to lowest order in $\theta$.