We propose a graph-based approach to 5d superconformal field theories (SCFTs) based on their realization as M-theory compactifications on singular elliptic Calabi-Yau threefolds. Fieldtheoretically, these 5d SCFTs descend from 6d N = (1, 0) SCFTs by circle compactification and mass deformations. We derive a description of these theories in terms of graphs, so-called Combined Fiber Diagrams, which encode salient features of the partially resolved Calabi-Yau geometry, and provides a combinatorial way of characterizing all 5d SCFTs that descend from a given 6d theory. Remarkably, these graphs manifestly capture strongly coupled data of the 5d SCFTs, such as the superconformal flavor symmetry, BPS states, and mass deformations.The capabilities of this approach are demonstrated by deriving all rank one and rank two 5d SCFTs. The full potential, however, becomes apparent when applied to theories with higher rank. Starting with the higher rank conformal matter theories in 6d, we are led to the discovery of previously unknown flavor symmetry enhancements and new 5d SCFTs.

In [1, 2] we proposed an approach based on graphs to characterize 5d superconformal field theories (SCFTs), which arise as compactifications of 6d N = (1, 0) SCFTs. The graphs, so-called combined fiber diagrams (CFDs), are derived using the realization of 5d SCFTs via M-theory on a non-compact Calabi-Yau threefold with a canonical singularity. In this paper we complement this geometric approach by connecting the CFD of an SCFT to its weakly coupled gauge theory or quiver descriptions and demonstrate that the CFD as recovered from the gauge theory approach is consistent with that as determined by geometry. To each quiver description we also associate a graph, and the embedding of this graph into the CFD that is associated to an SCFT provides a systematic way to enumerate all possible consistent weakly coupled gauge theory descriptions of this SCFT. Furthermore, different embeddings of gauge theory graphs into a fixed CFD can give rise to new UV-dualities for which we provide evidence through an analysis of the prepotential, and which, for some examples, we substantiate by constructing the M-theory geometry in which the dual quiver descriptions are manifest. arXiv:1909.09128v2 [hep-th]

We propose a graph-theoretic description to determine and characterize 5d superconformal field theories (SCFTs) that arise as circle reductions of 6d N = (1, 0) SCFTs. Each 5d SCFT is captured by a graph, called a Combined Fiber Diagram (CFD). Transitions between CFDs encode mass deformations that trigger flows between SCFTs. In this way, the complete set of descendants of a given 6d theory is obtained from a single, marginal, CFD. The graphs encode key physical information like the superconformal flavor symmetry and BPS states. As we demonstrate for the 5d descendants of 6d minimal (E6, E6) and (D k , D k ) conformal matter (for any k), our proposal not only reproduces known results, but also makes predictions in particular for thus far unknown flavor symmetry enhancements.

We present Oð10 15 Þ string compactifications with the exact chiral spectrum of the standard model of particle physics. This ensemble of globally consistent F-theory compactifications automatically realizes gauge coupling unification. Utilizing the power of algebraic geometry, all global consistency conditions can be reduced to a single criterion on the base of the underlying elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau fourfolds. For toric bases, this criterion only depends on an associated polytope and is satisfied for at least Oð10 15 Þ bases, each of which defines a distinct compactification.

We initiate the systematic investigation of non-flat resolutions of non-minimal singularities in elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau threefolds. Compactification of M-theory on these geometries provides an alternative approach to studying phases of five-dimensional superconformal field theories (5d SCFTs). We argue that such resolutions capture non-trivial holonomies in the circle reduction of the 6d conformal matter theory that is the F-theory interpretation of the singular fibration. As these holonomies become mass deformations in the 5d theory, non-flat resolutions furnish a novel method in the attempt to classify 5d SCFTs through 6d SCFTs on a circle. A particularly pleasant aspect of this proposal is the explicit embedding of the 5d SCFT’s enhanced flavor group inside that of the parent 6d SCFT, which can be read off from the geometry. We demonstrate these features in toric examples which realize 5d theories up to rank four.