Parameter Space of Quiver Gauge Theories

Abstract

Placing a set of branes at a Calabi-Yau singularity leads to an N=1 quiver gauge theory. We analyze F-term deformations of such gauge theories. A generic deformation can be obtained by making the Calabi-Yau non-commutative. We discuss non-commutative generalisations of well-known singularities such as the Del Pezzo singularities and the conifold. We also introduce new techniques for deriving superpotentials, based on quivers with ghosts and a notion of generalised Seiberg duality. The curious gauge structure of quivers with ghosts is most naturally described using the BV formalism. Finally we suggest a new approach to Seiberg duality by adding fields and ghost-fields whose effects cancel each other.