Deconstructing defects

Abstract

Abstract We use the exact-deconstruction prescription to lift various squashed-S 3 partition functions with supersymmetric-defect insertions to four-dimensional superconformal indices. Starting from three-dimensional circular-quiver theories with vortex-loop-operator insertions, we recover the index of four-dimensional theories in the presence of codimension-two surface defects with (2,2) supersymmetry. The case of deconstruction with Wilson-loop insertions is discussed separately. We provide evidence that a certain prescription leads to the index of four-dimensional theories in the presence of surface defects with (4,0) supersymmetry. In addition, we deconstruct the index of four-dimensional gauge theories with codimension-one $$ \frac{1}{2} $$ 1 2 -BPS defects, starting from three-dimensional circular-quiver theories containing localised matter/gauge-field insertions at specific nodes. We also clarify certain calculational and conceptual points related to exact deconstruction.