M$_k$ models: the field theory connection

Abstract

The M_kk models for 1D lattice fermions are characterised by {\cal N}=2 supersymmetry and by an order-kk clustering property. This paper highlights connections with quantum field theories (QFTs) in various regimes. At criticality the QFTs are minimal models of {\cal N}=2 supersymmetric conformal field theory (CFT) - we analyse finite size spectra on open chains with a variety of supersymmetry preserving boundary conditions. Specific staggering perturbations lead to a gapped regime corresponding to massive {\cal N}=2 supersymmetric QFT with Chebyshev superpotentials. At ‘extreme staggering’ we uncover a simple physical picture with degenerate supersymmetric vacua and mobile kinks. We connect this kink-picture to the Chebyshev QFTs and use it to derive novel CFT character formulas. For clarity the focus in this paper is on the simplest models, M_11, M_22 and M_33.