Constraining conformal theories in large dimensions

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we analyze the constraints imposed by unitarity and crossing symmetry on conformal theories in large dimensions. In particular, we show that in a unitary conformal theory in large dimension D, the four-point function of identical scalar operators ϕ with scaling dimension ∆ϕ such that ∆ϕ/D < 3/4, is necessarily that of the generalized free field theory. This result follows only from crossing symmetry and unitarity. In particular, we do not impose the existence of a conserved spin two operator (stress tensor). We also present an argument to extend the applicability of this result to a larger range of conformal dimensions, namely to ∆ϕ/D < 1. This extension requires some reasonable assumptions about the spectrum of light operators. Together, these results suggest that if there is a non-trivial conformal theory in large dimensions, not necessarily having a stress tensor, then its relevant operators must be exponentially weakly coupled with the rest.