Seminar held by Pieter Bomans

A gentle introduction to the holomorphic twist
 
Protected sectors provide some of our sharpest tools to probe strongly coupled SQFTs, but they typically rely on extended supersymmetry. In this talk I will introduce the minimal (holomorphic) twist, which applies to any 4d N=1 SQFT. The price of this generality is that the underlying mathematical structures are subtler and less explored. I will explain the structural framework of minimally twisted, and more generally holomorphic, field theories, describe how symmetries and anomalies manifest in this setting, and show how familiar protected sectors, such as the associated VOA, emerge from this framework. The holomorphic twist provides a refined tool for diagnosing symmetry enhancement and organising protected operator algebras. If time permits, I will also outline ongoing work and future directions.