Holographic k-string tensions in higher representations and Lüscher term universality

Abstract

We investigate a holographic description of k-strings in higher representations via D5-branes with world volume fluxes. The D-brane configurations are embedded in supergravity backgrounds dual to confining field theories in three and four dimensions. We compute the tensions and find qualitative agreement for the totally symmetric and totally antisymmetric representations with the results of other methods such as lattice as well as the Hamiltonian approach of Karabali and Nair. A one-loop computation on the D-brane configurations yields the Lüscher term and allows us to confirm a previously proposed universal expression following from holography. © 2013 American Physical Society.