On conformal blocks, crossing kernels and multi-variable hypergeometric functions

Abstract

Abstract In this note, we present an alternative representation of the conformal block with external scalars in general spacetime dimensions in terms of a finite summation over Appell fourth hypergeometric function F4. We also construct its generalization to the non-local primary exchange operator with continuous spin and its corresponding Mellin representation which are relevant for Lorentzian spacetime. Using these results we apply the Lorentzian inversion formula to compute the so-called crossing kernel in general spacetime dimensions, the resultant expression can be written as a double infinite summation over certain Kampé de Fériet hypergeometric functions with the correct double trace operator singularity structures. We also include some complementary computations in AdS space, demonstrating the orthogonality of conformal blocks and performing the decompositions.