Deformed \(\sigma\)-models, Ricci flow and Toda field theories (Q2062626)

The paper is focused on two-dimensional \(\sigma\)-models with complex homogeneous target spaces and their deformations. It is shown that the Pohlmeyer map of a \(\sigma\)-model with a toric two-dimensional target space naturally leads to the sausage metric. The authors elaborate the trigonometric deformation of the \(\mathbb{CP}^{n-1}\)-model, proving that its \(T\)-dual metric is Kähler and solves the Ricci flow equation. Finally, they discuss a relation between flag manifold \(\sigma\)-models and Toda field theories. This paper is organized as follows. Section 1 is an introduction to the subject and contains a formulation of the main result. In Section 2, the authors consider a \(\sigma\)-model with a \(\mathrm{U}(1)\)-invariant target space, construct its Pohlmeyer-reduced cousin and show that the requirement of its integrability naturally leads, in a unique way, to the so-called sausage metric. Section 3 deals with \(\mathbb{CP}_\eta^{n-1}\), i.e., the \(\eta\)-deformation (or trigonometric deformation) of the \(\mathbb{CP}^{n-1}\)-model. Here, the authors discuss in detail the \(\sigma\)-deformation of \(\mathbb{CP}^{n-1}\) target spaces. Section 4 is devoted to flag manifold models and Toda field theories. In Section 5, the authors summarize the main findings of the paper, outlining some open problems and directions for future research.