Contact Terms, Unitarity, and F-Maximization in Three-Dimensional Superconformal Theories

Understand

We consider three-dimensional N=2 superconformal field theories on a three-sphere and analyze their free energy F as a function of background gauge and supergravity fields.

• A crucial role is played by certain local terms in these background fields, including several Chern-Simons terms.
• The presence of these terms clarifies a number of subtle properties of F.
• This understanding allows us to prove the F-maximization principle.