Discrete and higher-form symmetries in SCFTs from wrapped M5-branes

Understand

We analyze topological mass terms of BF type arising in supersymmetric M-theory compactifications to $AdS_5$.

• These describe spontaneously broken higher-form gauge symmetries in the bulk.
• Different choices of boundary conditions for the BF terms yield dual field theories with distinct global discrete symmetries.
• We discuss in detail these symmetries and their 't Hooft anomalies for 4d $\mathcal N = 1$ SCFTs arising from M5-branes wrapped on a Riemann surface without punctures, including theories from M5-branes at a $\mathbb Z_2$ orbifold singularity.