Dualities of 3D 𝒩 = 1 SQCD from Branes and non-SUSY deformations

Abstract

Abstract We study the dynamics of an ‘electric’ 𝒩 = 1 3D $$ \textrm{U}{\left({N}_c\right)}_{k,k+\frac{N_c}{2}} $$ U N c k , k + N c 2 SQCD theory. By embedding the theory in string theory, we propose that the theory admits a ‘magnetic’ dual and analyse the low energy dynamics of the theory using its dual. When $$ \frac{N_f}{2}\ge \frac{N_c}{2}-k $$ N f 2 ≥ N c 2 − k the IR dynamics is described by either a TQFT for large quark masses, or a Grassmannian and a Wess-Zumino (WZ) term for small masses. We also consider non-supersymmetric mass deformations and RG flows in the vicinity of the SUSY point and find agreement between the IR of the electric and its magnetic dual. When $$ \frac{N_f}{2}<\frac{N_c}{2}-k $$ N f 2 < N c 2 − k supersymmetry is broken and the IR dynamics is a described by a TQFT accompanied by a Goldstino. We also discuss SQCD theories based on SO/USp gauge groups.