Quantum anomalies in A(1) r Toda theories with defects

Abstract

Abstract We study quantum integrability of affine Toda theories with a line of defect. In particular, we focus on the problem of constructing quantum higher-spin conserved currents in models defined by two A r (1) Toda theories separated by a non-trivial type-I defect. For a suitable choice of the defect potential these theories are known to be classically integrable, that is they possess an infinite set of higher-spin conserved charges in involution. Studying the corresponding conservation laws at quantum level we discover that anomalies arise, which we compute exactly at all orders in the coupling constant. While for the stress-energy tensor these anomalies can be cancelled by a finite renormalization of the defect potential, we find that from the first non-trivial higher-spin current this is no longer possible. This opens the question whether these theories are indeed integrable at quantum level.