Null vectors, three point and four point functions in conformal field theory

Bowcock, P.; Watts, G.M.T.

Abstract

We consider 3-point and 4-point correlation functions in a conformal field theory with a W-algebra symmetry. Whereas in a theory with only Virasoro symmetry the three-point functions of descendant fields are uniquely determined by the three-point function of the corresponding primary fields this is not the case for a theory withW 3 algebra symmetry. The generic 3-point functions of W-descendant fields have a countable degree of arbitrariness. We find, however, that if one of the fields belongs to a representation with null states that this has implications for the 3-point functions. In particular, if one of the representations is doubly degenerate, then the 3-point function is determined up to an overall constant. We extend our analysis to 4-point functions and find that if two of the W-primary fields are doubly degenerate then the intermediate channels are limited to a finite set and that the corresponding chiral blocks are determined up to an overall constant. This corresponds to the existence of a linear differential equation for the chiral blocks with two completely degenerate fields as has been found in the work of Bajnok et al.

Citation

Bowcock, P., & Watts, G. (1994). Null vectors, three point and four point functions in conformal field theory

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 1994-03
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 98
• Pages: 350-356
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1162139