New AdS2 backgrounds and $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 conformal quantum mechanics

Abstract

Abstract We present a new infinite family of Type IIB backgrounds with an AdS2 factor, preserving $$ \mathcal{N} $$ N = 4 SUSY. For each member of the family we propose a precise dual Super Conformal Quantum Mechanics (SCQM). We provide holographic expressions for the number of vacua (the “central charge”), Chern-Simons terms and other non-perturbative aspects of the SCQM. We relate the “central charge” of the one-dimensional system with a combination of electric and magnetic fluxes in Type IIB. The Ramond-Ramond fluxes are used to propose an extremisation principle for the central charge. Other physical and geometrical aspects of these conformal quantum mechanics are analysed.