Title: Universal Deformations

Abstract: QFTs with local topological operators feature unusual sectors called “universes,” which are separated by infinite-tension domain walls. I’ll explain why such systems have relevant deformations with exactly calculable effects. These deformations allow one to dial the vacuum energy densities of the universes. Then I’ll describe some applications of these deformations. The applications include interesting effects on confinement in 2d gauge theories, as well as a curious violation of the effective field theory naturalness principle.

Talk – Video

Talk – Slides