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Total instanton restriction via multiverse interference: Noncompact gauge theories and (−1)

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When a single quantum field theory secretly decomposes into a multiverse of independent theories, the rules of instanton physics break down in ways that challenge our deepest assumptions about gauge symmetry.

Decomposition in QFTGauge TheoryInstanton PhysicsHigher-Form Symmetry
Total instanton restriction via multiverse interference: Noncompact gauge theories and (−1)

Theory Briefing

  • Local QFTs with noncompact gauge groups can decompose into disjoint unions of independent theories — a phenomenon called decomposition.
  • Instanton contributions are totally restricted in these settings, meaning certain quantum tunneling paths are forbidden by multiverse interference effects.
  • The study of (-1)-form symmetries provides the theoretical key to understanding why gauge redundancy forces this exotic multi-universe structure.