# Algebraic Holography

## 1 Introduction and results

The conjectured correspondence (so-called “holography”)  between quantum field theories on 1+$`s`$-dimensional anti-deSitter space-time $`AdS_{1,s}`$ (the “bulk space”) and conformal quantum field theories on its conformal boundary $`CM_{1,s1}`$ which is a compactification of Minkowski space $`^{1,s1}`$, has recently raised enthusiastic interest. If anti-deSitter space is considered as an approximation to the space-time geometry near certain gravitational horizons (extremal black holes), then the correspondence lends support to the informal idea of reduction of degrees of freedom due to the thermodynamic properties of black holes . Thus, holography is expected to give an important clue for the understanding of quantum theory in strong gravitational fields and, ultimately, of quantum gravity.

While the original conjecture  was based on “stringy” pictures, it was soon formulated  in terms of (Euclidean) conventional quantum field theory, and a specific relation between generating functionals was conjectured. These conjectures have since been exposed with success to many structural and group theoretical tests, yet a rigorous proof has not been given.

The problem is, of course, that the “holographic” transition from anti-deSitter space to its boundary and back, is by no means a point transformation, thus preventing a simple (pointwise) operator identification between bulk fields and boundary fields. In the present note, we show that in contrast, an identification between the algebras generated by the respective local bulk and boundary fields is indeed possible in a very transparent manner. These algebraic data are completely sufficient to reconstruct the respective theories.

We want to remind the reader of the point of view due to Haag and Kastler (see  for a standard textbook reference) which emphasizes that, while any choice of particular fields in a quantum field theory may be a matter of convenience without affecting the physical content of the theory (comparable to the choice of coordinates in geometry), the algebras they generate and their algebraic interrelations, notably causal commutativity, supply all the relevant physical information in an invariant manner. The interested reader will find in  a review of the (far from obvious, indeed) equivalence between quantum field theory in terms of fields and quantum field theory in terms of algebras, notably on the strategies available to extract physically relevant information, such as the particle spectrum, superselection charges, and scattering amplitudes, from the net of algebras without knowing the fields.

It is crucial in the algebraic approach, however, to keep track of the localization of the observables. Indeed, the physical interpretation of a theory is coded in the structure of a “causal net” of algebras  which means the specification of the sets of observables $`B(X)`$ which are localized in any given space-time region $`X`$.<sup>1</sup><sup>1</sup>1The assignment $`XB(X)`$ is a “net” in the mathematical sense: a generalized sequence with a partially ordered index set (namely the set of regions $`X`$).

The assignment $`XB(X)`$ is subject to the conditions of isotony (an observable localized in a region $`X`$ is localized in any larger region $`YX`$, thus $`B(Y)B(X)`$), causal commutativity (two observables localized at space-like distance commute with each other), and covariance (the Poincaré transform of an observable localized in $`X`$ is localized in the transformed region $`gX`$; in the context at hand replace “Poincaré” by “anti-deSitter”). Each $`B(X)`$ should in fact be an algebra of operators (with the observables its selfadjoint elements), and to have sufficient control of limits and convergence in order to compute physical quantities of interest, it is convenient to let $`B(X)`$ be von Neumann algebras.<sup>2</sup><sup>2</sup>2A von Neumann algebra is an algebra of bounded operators on a Hilbert space which is closed in the weak topology of matrix elements. E.g., if $`\varphi `$ is a hermitean field and $`\varphi (f)`$ a field operator smeared over a region $`X`$ containing the support of $`f`$, then operators like $`\mathrm{exp}i\varphi (f)`$ belong to $`B(X)`$.

For most purposes it is convenient to consider as typical compact regions the “double-cones”, that is, intersections of a future directed and a past directed light-cone, and to think of point-like localization in terms of very small double-cones. On the other hand, certain aspects of the theory are better captured by “wedge” regions which extend to space-like infinity. A space-like wedge (for short: wedge) in Minkowski space is a region of the form $`\{x:x_1>|x_0|\}`$, or any Poincaré transform thereof. The corresponding regions in anti-deSitter space turn out to be intersections of $`AdS_{1,s}`$ with suitable flat space wedges in the ambient space $`^{2,s}`$, see below. In conformally covariant theories there is no distinction between double-cones and wedges since conformal transformations map the former onto the latter.

It will become apparent in the sequel that to understand the issue of “holography”, the algebraic framework proves to be most appropriate.

The basis for the holography conjectures is, of course, the coincidence between the anti-deSitter group $`SO_0(2,s)`$ and the conformal group $`SO_0(2,s)`$. ($`SO_0(n,m)`$ is the identity component of the group $`SO(n,m)`$, that is the proper orthochronous subgroup distinguished by the invariant condition that the determinants of the time-like $`n\times n`$ and of the space-like $`m\times m`$ sub-matrices are both positive.) The former group acts on $`AdS_{1,s}`$ (as a “deformation” from the flat space Poincaré group in 1+$`s`$ dimensions, $`SO_0(1,s)^{1,s}`$), and the latter group acts on the conformal boundary $`CM_{1,s1}`$ of $`AdS_{1,s}`$ (as an extension of the Poincaré group in 1+($`s1`$) dimensions, $`SO_0(1,s1)^{1,s1}`$) by restriction of the former group action on the bulk. The representation theoretical aspect of this coincidence has been elaborated (in Euclidean metric) in .

In terms of covariant nets of algebras of local observables (“local algebras”), it is thus sufficient to identify one suitable algebra in anti-deSitter space with another suitable algebra in the conformal boundary space, and then to let $`SO_0(2,s)`$ act to provide the remaining identifications. As any double-cone region in conformal space determines a subgroup of the conformal group $`SO_0(2,s)`$ which preserves this double-cone, it is natural to identify its algebra with the algebra of a region in anti-deSitter space which is preserved by the same subgroup of the anti-deSitter group $`SO_0(2,s)`$. It turns out that this region is a space-like wedge region which intersects the boundary in the given double-cone.

For a typical bulk observable localized in a wedge region, the reader is invited to think of a field operator for a Mandelstam string which stretches to space-like infinity. Its holographic localization on the boundary has finite size, but it becomes sharper and sharper as the string is “pulled to infinity”. We shall see that one may be forced to take into consideration theories which possess only wedge-localized, but no compactly localized observables.

Our main algebraic result rests on the following geometric Lemma:<sup>3</sup><sup>3</sup>3For details, see Sect. 2. We denote double-cones in the boundary by the symbol $`I`$, because (i) we prefer to reserve the “standard” symbol $`O`$ for double-cones in the bulk space, and because (ii) in 1+1 dimensions the “double-cones” on the boundary are in fact open intervals on the circle $`S^1`$. 

Lemma: Between the set of space-like wedge regions in anti-deSitter space, $`WAdS_{1,s}`$, and the set of double-cones in its conformal boundary space, $`ICM_{1,s1}`$, there is a canonical bijection $`\alpha :WI=\alpha (W)`$ preserving inclusions and causal complements, and intertwining the actions of the anti-deSitter group $`SO_0(2,s)`$ and of the conformal group $`SO_0(2,s)`$

$$\alpha (g(W))=\dot{g}(\alpha (W)),\alpha ^1(\dot{g}(I))=g(\alpha ^1(I))$$

where $`\dot{g}`$ is the restriction of the action of $`g`$ to the boundary. The double-cone $`I=\alpha (W)`$ associated with a wedge $`W`$ is the intersection of $`W`$ with the boundary.

Given the Lemma, the main algebraic result states that bulk observables localized in wedge regions are identified with boundary observables localized in double-cone regions:

Corollary 1: The identification of local observables

$$B(W):=A(\alpha (W)),A(I):=B(\alpha ^1(I))$$

gives rise to a 1:1 correspondence between isotonous causal conformally covariant nets of algebras $`IA(I)`$ on $`CM_{1,s1}`$ and isotonous causal anti-deSitter covariant nets of algebras $`WB(W)`$ on $`AdS_{1,s}`$.

An observable localized in a double-cone $`O`$ in anti-deSitter space is localized in any wedge containing $`O`$, hence the local algebra $`B(O)`$ should be contained in all $`B(W)`$, $`WO`$. We shall define $`B(O)`$ as the intersection of all these wedge algebras. These intersections do no longer correspond to simple geometric regions in $`CM_{1,s1}`$ (so points in the bulk have a complicated geometry in the boundary), as will be discussed in more detail in 1+1 dimensions below.

The following result also identifies states and representations of the corresponding theories:

Corollary 2: Under the identification of Corollary 1, a vacuum state on the net $`A`$ corresponds to a vacuum state on the net $`B`$. Positive-energy representations of the net $`A`$ correspond to positive-energy representations of the net $`B`$. The net $`A`$ satisfies essential Haag duality if and only if the net $`B`$ does. The modular group and modular conjugation (in the sense of Tomita-Takesaki) of a wedge algebra $`B(W)`$ in a vacuum state act geometrically (by a subgroup of $`SO_0(2,s)`$ which preserves $`W`$ and by a CPT reflection, respectively) if and only if the same holds for the double-cone algebras $`A(I)`$. 

Essential Haag duality means that the algebras associated with causally complementary wedges not only commute as required by locality, but either algebra is in fact the maximal algebra commuting with the other one.

The last statement in the Corollary refers to the modular theory of von Neumann algebras which states that every (normal and cyclic) state on a von Neumann algebra is a thermal equilibrium state with respect to a unique adapted “time” evolution (one-parameter group of automorphisms = modular group) of the algebra. In quantum field theories in Minkowski space, whose local algebras are generated by smeared Wightman fields, the modular groups have been computed for wedge algebras in the vacuum state  and were found to coincide with the boost subgroup of the Lorentz group which preserves the wedge (geometric action). In conformal theories, mapping wedges onto double-cones by suitable conformal transformations, the same result also applies to double-cones . This result is an algebraic explanation of the Unruh effect according to which a uniformly accelerated observer attributes a temperature to the vacuum state, and provides also an explanation of Hawking radiation if the wedge region is replaced by the space-time region outside the horizon of a Schwarzschild black hole .

The modular theory also provides a “modular conjugation” which maps the algebra onto its commutant. For Minkowski space Wightman field theories in the vacuum state as before, the modular conjugation of a wedge algebra turns out to act geometrically as a CPT-type reflection (CPT up to a rotation) along the “ridge” of the wedge which maps the wedge onto its causal complement. This entails essential duality for Minkowski space  as well as conformally covariant  Wightman theories.

The statement in Corollary 2 on the modular group thus implies that, if the boundary theory is a Wightman theory, then the boundary and the bulk theory both satisfy essential Haag duality, and also in anti-deSitter space a vacuum state of $`B`$ in restriction to a wedge algebra $`B(W)`$ is a thermal equilibrium state with respect to the associated one-parameter boost subgroup of the anti-deSitter group which preserves $`W`$, i.e., the Unruh effect takes place for a uniformly accelerated observer. Furthermore, the CPT theorem holds for the theory on anti-deSitter space. On the other hand, essential Haag duality and geometric modular action for quantum field theories on $`AdS_{1,s}`$ were established under much more general assumptions , implying the same properties for the associated boundary theory even when it is not a Wightman theory (see below).

We emphasize that the Hamiltonians $`\frac{1}{R}M_{0,d}`$ on $`AdS_{1,s}`$ and $`P^0`$ on $`CM_{1,s1}`$ are not identified under the identification of the anti-deSitter group and the conformal group. Instead, $`M_{0,d}`$ is (in suitable coordinates) identified with the combination $`\frac{1}{2}(P^0+K^0)`$ of translations and special conformal transformations in the $`0`$-direction of $`CM_{1,s1}`$. This is different from the Euclidean picture  where the anti-deSitter Hamiltonian is identified with the dilatation subgroup of the conformal group. In Lorentzian metric, the dilatations correspond to a space-like “translation” subgroup of the anti-deSitter group. This must have been expected since the generator of dilatations does not have a one-sided spectrum as is required for the real-time Hamiltonian. The subgroup generated by $`\frac{1}{2}(P^0+K^0)`$ is well-known to be periodic and to satisfy the spectrum condition in every positive-energy representation. (Periodicity in bulk time of course implies a mass gap for the underlying bulk theory. This is not in conflict with the boundary theory being massless since the respective subgroups of time evolution cannot be identified.)

Different Hamiltonians give rise to different counting of degrees of freedom, since entropy is defined via the partition function. Thus, the “holographic” reduction of degrees of freedom  can be viewed as a consequence of the choice of the Hamiltonian: The anti-deSitter Hamiltonian $`M_{0,d}=\frac{1}{2}(P^0+K^0)`$ has discrete spectrum and has a chance (at least in 1+1 dimensions) to yield a finite partition function. One the other hand, the partition function with respect to the boundary Hamiltonian $`P^0`$ exhibits the usual infrared divergence due to infinite volume and continuous spectrum.

A crucial aspect of the present analysis is the identification of compact regions in the boundary with wedge regions in the bulk. With a little hindsight, this aspect is indeed also present in the proposal for the identification of generating functionals . While the latter is given in the Euclidean approach, it should refer in real time to a hyperbolic differential equation with initial values given in a double-cone on the boundary which determine its solution in a wedge region of bulk space.

We also show that in 1+1 dimensions there are sufficiently many observables localized in arbitrarily small compact regions in the bulk space to ensure that compactly localized observables generate the wedge algebras. This property is crucial if we want to think of local algebras as being generated by local fields:

Proposition: Assume that the boundary theory $`A`$ on $`S^1`$ is weakly additive (i.e., $`A(I)`$ is generated by $`A(J_n)`$ whenever the interval $`I`$ is covered by a family of intervals $`J_n`$). If a wedge $`W`$ in $`AdS_{1,1}`$ is covered by a family of double-cones $`O_nW`$, then the algebra $`B(W)`$ is generated by the observables localized in $`O_n`$:

$$B(W)=\underset{n}{}B(O_n).$$

In order to establish this result, we explicitly determine the observables localized in a double-cone region on $`AdS_{1,1}`$. Their algebra $`B(O)`$ turns out to be non-trivial: it is the intersection of two interval algebras $`A(I_i)`$ on the boundary $`S^1`$ where the intersection of the two intervals $`I_i`$ is a union of two disjoint intervals $`J_i`$. $`B(O)`$ contains therefore at least $`A(J_1)`$ and $`A(J_2)`$. In fact, it is even larger than that, containing also observables corresponding to a “charge transport” , that is, operators which annihilate a superselection charge in $`J_1`$ and create the same charge in $`J_2`$. The inclusion $`A(I_1)A(J_2)B(O)`$ therefore carries (complete) algebraic information about the superselection structure of the chiral boundary theory .

As the double-cone on $`AdS_{1,1}`$ shrinks, the size of the intervals $`J_i`$ also shrinks but not their distance, so points in 1+1-dimensional anti-deSitter space are related to pairs of points in conformal space. But we see that sharply localized bulk observables involve boundary observables localized in large intervals: the above charge transporters. This result provides an algebraic interpretation of the obstruction against a point transformation between bulk and boundary.

The issue of compactly localized observables in anti-deSitter space is more complicated in more than two dimensions, and deserves a separate careful analysis. Some preliminary results will be presented in Section 2.3. They show that if the bulk theory possesses observables localized in double-cones, then the corresponding boundary theory violates an additivity property which is characteristic for Wightman field theories, while its violation is expected for non-abelian gauge theories due to the presence of gauge-invariant Wilson loop operators. Conversely, if the boundary theory satisfies this additivity property, then the observables of the corresponding bulk theory are always attached to infinity, as in topological (Chern-Simons) theories.

Let us point out that the conjectures in  suggest a much more ambitious interpretation, namely that the correspondence pertains to bulk theories involving quantum gravity, while the anti-deSitter space and its boundary are understood in some asymptotic (semi-classical) sense. Indeed, the algebraic approach is no more able to describe proper quantum gravity as any other mathematically unambiguous framework up to now. Most arguments given in the literature in favour of the conjectures refer to gravity as perturbative gravity on a background space-time. Likewise, our present results concern the semi-classical version of the conjectures, treating gravity like any other quantum field theory as a theory of observables on a classical background geometry. In fact, the presence or absence of gravity in the bulk theory plays no particular role. This is only apparently in conflict with the original arguments for a holographic reduction of degrees of freedom of a bulk theory in the vicinity of a gravitational horizon  in which gravity is essential. Namely, our statement can be interpreted in the sense that once the anti-deSitter geometry is given for whatever reason (e.g., the presence of a gravitational horizon), then it can support only the degrees of freedom of a boundary theory.

## 2 Identification of observables

We denote by $`H_{1,s}`$ the $`d`$=1+$`s`$-dimensional hypersurface defined through its embedding into ambient $`^{2,s}`$,

$$x_0^2x_1^2\mathrm{}x_s^2+x_d^2=R^2$$

with Lorentzian metric induced from the 2+$`s`$-dimensional metric

$$ds^2=dx_0^2dx_1^2\mathrm{}dx_s^2+dx_d^2.$$

Its group of isometries is the Lorentz group $`O(2,s)`$ of the ambient space in which the reflection $`xx`$ is central. Anti-deSitter space is the quotient manifold $`AdS_{1,s}=H_{1,s}/_2`$ (with the same Lorentzian metric locally). We denote by $`p`$ the projection $`H_{1,s}AdS_{1,s}`$.

Two open regions in anti-deSitter space are called “causally disjoint” if none of their points can be connected by a time-like geodesic. The largest open region causally disjoint from a given region is called the causal complement. In a causal quantum field theory on the quotient space $`AdS_{1,s}`$, observables and hence algebras associated with causally disjoint regions commute with each other.

The reader should be worried about this definition, since causal independence of observables should be linked to causal connectedness by time-like curves rather than geodesics. But on anti-deSitter space, any two points can be connected by a time-like curve, so they are indeed causally connected, and the requirement that causally disconnected observables commute is empty. Yet, as our Corollary 1 shows, if the boundary theory is causal, then the associated bulk theory is indeed causal in the present (geodesic) sense. We refer also to  where it is shown that vacuum expectation values of commutators of observables with causally disjoint localization have to vanish whenever the vacuum state has reasonable properties (invariance and thermodynamic passivity), but without any a priori assumptions on causal commutation relations (neither in bulk nor on the boundary).

Thus in the theories on anti-deSitter space we consider in this paper, observables localized in causally disjoint but causally connected regions commute; see  for a discussion of the ensuing physical constraints on the nature of interactions on anti-deSitter space.

The causal structure of $`AdS_{1,s}`$ is determined by its metric modulo conformal transformations which preserve angles and geodesics. As a causal manifold, $`AdS_{1,s}`$ has a boundary (the “asymptotic directions” of geodesics). The boundary inherits the causal structure of the bulk space $`AdS_{1,s}`$, and the anti-deSitter group $`SO_0(2,s)`$ acts on this space. It is well known that this boundary is a compactification $`CM_{1,s1}=(S^1\times S^{s1})/_2`$ of Minkowski space $`^{1,s1}`$, and $`SO_0(2,s)`$ acts on it like the conformal group.

The notions of causal disjoint and causal complements on $`CM_{1,s1}`$ coincide, up to conformal transformations, with those on Minkowski space . In $`d=`$1+1 dimensions, $`s=1`$, the conformal space is $`S^1`$, and the causal complement of an interval $`I`$ is $`I^c=S^1\backslash \overline{I}`$.

Both anti-deSitter space and its causal boundary have a “global time-arrow”, that is, the distinction between the future and past light-cone in the tangent spaces (which are ordinary Minkowski spaces) at each point $`x`$ can be globally chosen continuous in $`x`$ (and consistent with the reflection $`xx`$). The time orientation on the bulk space induces the time orientation on the boundary. The time arrow is crucial in order to distinguish representations of positive energy.

2.1 Proof of the Lemma

Any ordered pair of light-like vectors $`(e,f)`$ in the ambient space $`^{2,s}`$ such that $`ef<0`$ defines an open subspace of the hypersurface $`H_{1,s}`$ given by

$$\stackrel{~}{W}(e,f)=\{x^{2,s}:x^2=R^2,ex>0,fx>0\}.$$

This space has two connected components. Namely, the tangent vector at each point $`x\stackrel{~}{W}(e,f)`$ under the boost in the $`e`$-$`f`$-plane, $`\delta _{e,f}x=(fx)e(ex)f`$, is either a future or a past directed time-like vector, since $`(\delta _{e,f}x)^2=2(ef)(ex)(fx)>0`$. We denote by $`\stackrel{~}{W}_+(e,f)`$ and $`\stackrel{~}{W}_{}(e,f)`$ the connected components of $`\stackrel{~}{W}(e,f)`$ in which $`\delta _{e,f}x`$ is future and past directed, respectively. By this definition, $`\stackrel{~}{W}_+(f,e)=\stackrel{~}{W}_{}(e,f)`$, and $`\stackrel{~}{W}_+(e,f)=\stackrel{~}{W}_+(e,f)`$.

The wedge regions in the hypersurface $`H_{1,s}`$ are the regions $`\stackrel{~}{W}_\pm (e,f)`$ as specified. The wedge regions in anti-deSitter space are their quotients $`W_\pm (e,f)=p\stackrel{~}{W}_\pm (e,f)`$. One has $`W_+(e,f)=W_{}(f,e)=W_+(e,f)`$, and $`W_+(e,f)`$ and $`W_{}(e,f)`$ are each other’s causal complements. For an illustration in 1+1 dimensions, cf. Figure 1.

Figure 1. Wedge regions $`\stackrel{~}{W}_+(e,f)`$ and $`\stackrel{~}{W}_{}(e,f)`$ in 1+1 dimensions, and their intersections with the boundary. The light-like vectors $`e`$ and $`f`$ are tangent to $`\stackrel{~}{W}_{}`$ in its apex $`x`$. In anti-deSitter space, $`\stackrel{~}{W}_{}`$ is identified with $`\stackrel{~}{W}_{}`$, and $`W_\pm =p\stackrel{~}{W}_\pm `$ are causal complements of each other.

We claim that the projected wedges $`W_\pm (e,f)`$ intersect the boundary of $`AdS_{1,s}`$ in regions $`I_\pm (e,f)`$ which are double-cones of Minkowski space $`^{1,s1}`$ or images thereof under some conformal transformation. Note that any two double-cones in $`^{1,s1}`$ are connected by a conformal transformation, and among their conformal transforms are also the past and future light-cones and space-like wedges in $`^{1,s1}`$.

We claim also that the causal complement $`W_{}(e,f)`$ of the wedge $`W_+(e,f)`$ intersects the boundary in the causal complement $`I_{}(e,f)=I_+(e,f)^c`$ of $`I_+(e,f)`$.

It would be sufficient to compute the intersections of any single pair of wedges $`\stackrel{~}{W}_\pm (e,f)`$ with the boundary and see that it is a pair of causally complementary conformal double-cones in $`CM_{1,s1}`$, since the claim then follows for any other pair of wedges by covariance. For illustrative reason we shall compute two such examples.

We fix the “arrow of time” by declaring the tangent vector of the rotation in the 0-$`d`$-plane, $`\delta _tx=(x_d,0,\mathrm{},0,x_0)`$, to be future directed.

In stereographic coordinates $`(y_0,\stackrel{}{y},x_{})`$ of the hypersurface $`x^2=R^2`$, where $`x_{}=x_dx_s`$ and $`(y_0,\stackrel{}{y})=(x_0,\stackrel{}{x})/x_{}`$, $`\stackrel{}{x}=(x_1,\mathrm{},x_{s1})`$, the boundary is given by $`|x_{}|=\mathrm{}`$. Thus, in the limit of infinite $`x_{}`$ one obtains a chart $`y_\mu =(y_0,\stackrel{}{y})`$ of $`CM_{1,s1}`$. The induced conformal structure is that of Minkowski space, $`dy^2=f(y)^2(dy_0^2d\stackrel{}{y}^2)`$.

Our first example is the one underlying Figure 1: we choose $`e_\mu =(0,\mathrm{},0,1,1)`$ and $`f_\mu =(0,\mathrm{},0,1,1)`$. The conditions for $`x\stackrel{~}{W}(e,f)`$ read $`x_dx_s>0`$ and $`x_d+x_s<0`$, implying $`x_d^2x_s^2<0`$ and hence $`x_0^2\stackrel{}{x}^2>R^2`$. The tangent vector $`\delta _{e,f}x`$ has $`d`$-component $`\delta _{e,f}x_d=2x_s>0`$. Hence, it is future directed if $`x_0>0`$, and past directed if $`x_0<0`$:

$$\stackrel{~}{W}_+(e,f)=\{x:x^2=R^2,x_s<|x_d|,x_0>0\}.$$

After dividing $`(x_0,\stackrel{}{x})`$ by $`x_{}=x_dx_s\mathrm{}`$, we obtain the boundary region

$$I_+(e,f)=\{y=(y_0,\stackrel{}{y}):y_0^2\stackrel{}{y}^2>0,y_0>0\},$$

that is, the future light-cone in Minkowski space; similarly, $`I_{}(e,f)`$ is the past light-cone, and $`I_\pm (e,f)`$ are each other’s causal complements in $`CM_{1,s1}`$.

Next, we choose $`e_\mu =(1,1,0,\mathrm{},0)`$ and $`f_\mu =(1,1,0,\mathrm{},0)`$. The conditions for $`x\stackrel{~}{W}(e,f)`$ read $`x_1<|x_0|`$, implying $`x_0^2\stackrel{}{x}^2<0`$ and hence $`x_d^2x_s^2>R^2>0`$. The tangent vector $`\delta _{e,f}x`$ has $`0`$-component $`\delta _{e,f}x_d=2x_1>0`$. Hence, it is future directed if $`x_d<0`$ hence $`x_dx_s<0`$, and past directed if $`x_d>0`$ hence $`x_dx_s>0`$:

$$\stackrel{~}{W}_+(e,f)=\{x:x^2=R^2,x_1<|x_0|,x_{}<0\}.$$

After dividing $`(x_0,\stackrel{}{x})`$ by $`x_{}=x_dx_s\mathrm{}`$, we obtain the boundary region

$$I_+(e,f)=\{y=(y_0,\stackrel{}{y}):y_1>|y_0|\},$$

that is, a space-like wedge region in Minkowski space; similarly, $`I_{}(e,f)`$ is the opposite wedge $`y_1<|y_0|`$, which is again the causal complement of $`I_+(e,f)`$ in $`CM_{1,s1}`$.

Both light-cones and wedge regions in Minkowski space are well known to be conformal transforms of double-cones, and hence they are double-cones on $`CM_{1,s1}`$. The pairs of regions computed above are indeed causally complementary pairs.

We now consider the map $`\alpha :W_+(e,f)I_+(e,f)`$. Since the action of the conformal group on the boundary is induced by the action of the anti-deSitter group on the bulk, we see that $`\stackrel{~}{W}_\pm (ge,gf)=g(\stackrel{~}{W}_\pm (e,f))`$ and $`I_\pm (ge,gf)=\dot{g}(I_\pm (e,f))`$, hence $`\alpha `$ intertwines the actions of the anti-deSitter and the conformal group. It is clear that $`\alpha `$ preserves inclusions, and we have seen that it preserves causal complements for one, and hence for all wedges. Since $`SO_0(2,s)`$ acts transitively on the set of double-cones of $`CM_{1,s1}`$, the map $`\alpha `$ is surjective. Finally, since $`W_+(e,f)`$ and $`I_+(e,f)`$ have the same stabilizer subgroup of $`SO_0(2,s)`$, it is also injective.

This completes the proof of the Lemma. $`\mathrm{}`$

2.2 Proof of the Corollaries

We identify wedge algebras on $`AdS_{1,s}`$ and double-cone algebras on $`CM_{1,s1}`$ by

$$B(W_\pm (e,f))=A(I_\pm (e,f)),$$

that is, $`B(W)=A(\alpha (W))`$. The Lemma implies that if $`A`$ is given as an isotonous, causal and conformally covariant net of algebras on $`CM_{1,s1}`$, then $`B(W)`$ defined by this identification constitute an isotonous, causal and anti-deSitter covariant net of algebras on $`AdS_{1,s}`$, and vice versa. Namely, the identification is just a relabelling of the index set of the net which preserves inclusions and causal complements and intertwines the action of $`SO_0(2,s)`$. Thus we have established Corollary 1. $`\mathrm{}`$

As for Corollary 2, we note that, as the algebras are identified, states and representations of the nets $`A`$ and $`B`$ are also identified.

Since the identification intertwines the action of the anti-dSitter group and of the conformal group, an anti-deSitter invariant state on $`B`$ corresponds to a conformally invariant state on $`A`$. The generator of time translations in the anti-deSitter group corresponds to the generator $`\frac{1}{2}(P^0+K^0)`$ in the conformal group which is known to be positive if and only if $`P^0`$ is positive (note that $`K^0`$ is conformally conjugate to $`P^0`$). Hence the conditions for positivity of the respective generators of time-translations are equivalent.

By the identification of states and algebras, also the modular groups are identified. The modular group and modular conjugation for double-cone algebras in a vacuum state of conformally covariant quantum field theories are conformally conjugate to the modular group and modular conjugation of a Minkowski space wedge algebra, which in turn are given by the Lorentz boosts in the wedge direction and the reflection along the ridge of the wedge . It follows that the modular group for a wedge algebra on anti-deSitter space is given by the corresponding subgroup of the anti-deSitter group which preserves the wedge (for a wedge $`W_+(e,f)`$, this is the subgroup of boosts in the $`e`$-$`f`$-plane), and the modular conjugation is a CPT transformation which maps $`W_+`$ onto $`W_{}`$.

These remarks suffice to complete the proof of Corollary 2. $`\mathrm{}`$

Let us mention that the correspondence given in Corollary 1 holds also for “weakly local” nets both on the bulk and on the boundary. In a weakly local net, the vacuum expectation value of the commutator of two causally disjoint observables vanishes, but not necessarily the commutator itself. Weak locality for quantum field theories on anti-deSitter space follows  from very conservative assumptions on the vacuum state without any commutation relations assumed. Thus, also the boundary theory will always be weakly local.

2.3 Compact localization in anti-deSitter space

Let us first note that as the ridge of a wedge is shifted into the interior of the wedge, the double-cone on the boundary shrinks. Thus, sharply localized boundary observables correspond to bulk observables at space-like infinity . We now show that sharply localized bulk observables do not correspond to a simple geometry on the boundary, but must be determined algebraically.

An observable localized in a double-cone $`O`$ of anti-deSitter space must be contained in every wedge algebra $`B(W)`$ such that $`OW`$. The algebra $`B(O)`$ is thus at most the intersection of all $`B(W)`$ such that $`OW`$. We may define it as this intersection, thereby ensuring isotony, causal commutativity and covariance for the net of double-cone algebras in an obvious manner.

Double-cone algebras on anti-deSitter space are thus delicate intersections of algebras of double-cones and their conformal images on the boundary, and might turn out trivial. In 1+1 dimensions, the geometry is particularly simple since a double-cone is an intersection of only two wedges. We show that the corresponding intersection of algebras is non-trivial, and shall turn to $`d>1+1`$ below.

Let us write (in 1+1 dimensions) the relation

$$B(O)=B(W_1)B(W_2)A(I_1)A(I_2)\text{whenever}O=W_1W_2,$$

where $`W_i`$ are any pair of wedge regions in $`AdS_{1,1}`$ and $`I_i=\alpha (W_i)`$ their intersections with the boundary, that is, open intervals on $`S^1`$.

The intersection $`W_1W_2`$ might not be a double-cone. It might be empty, or it might be another wedge region. Before discussing the above relation as a definition for the double-cone algebra $`B(O)`$ if $`O=W_1W_2`$ is a double-cone, we shall first convince ourselves that it is consistent also in these other cases.

If $`W_1`$ contains $`W_2`$, or vice versa, then $`O`$ equals the larger wedge, and the relation holds by isotony. If $`W_1`$ and $`W_2`$ are disjoint, then the intersections with the boundary are also disjoint, and $`B(\mathrm{})=A(I_1)A(I_2)`$ is trivial if the boundary net $`A`$ on $`S^1`$ is irreducible (that is, disjoint intervals have no nontrivial observables in common).

Next, it might happen that $`W_1`$ and $`W_2`$ have a nontrivial intersection without the apex of one wedge lying inside the other wedge. In this case, the intersection is again a wedge, say $`W_3`$. Namely, any wedge in $`AdS_{1,1}`$ is of the form $`W_+(e,f)`$ where $`e`$ and $`f`$ are a future and a past directed light-like tangent vector in the apex $`x`$ (the unique point in $`AdS_{1,1}`$ solving $`ex=fx=0`$). The condition $`ef<0`$ implies that both tangent vectors point in the same (positive or negative) 1-direction. The wedge itself is the surface between the two light-rays emanating from $`x`$ in the directions $`e`$ and $`f`$ (cf. Figure 1). The present situation arises if the future directed light-ray of $`W_1`$ intersects the past directed light-ray of $`W_2`$ (or vice versa) in a point $`x_3`$ without the other pair of light-rays intersecting each other. The intersection of the two wedges is the surface between the two intersecting light-rays travelling on from the point $`x_3`$, which is another wedge region $`W_3`$ with apex $`x_3`$. It follows that the intersection of the intersections $`I_i`$ of $`W_i`$ with the boundary equals the intersection $`I_3`$ of $`W_3`$ with the boundary. Hence consistency of the above relation is guaranteed by $`A(I_1)A(I_2)=A(I_3)`$ where $`I_1`$ and $`I_2`$ are two intervals on $`S^1`$ whose intersection $`I_3`$ is again an interval.

Now we come to the case that $`W_1W_2`$ is a double-cone $`O`$ in the proper sense. This is the case if the closure of the causal complement of $`W_1`$ is contained in $`W_2`$. It follows that the closure of the causal complement of $`I_1`$ is contained in $`I_2`$, hence the intersection of $`I_1`$ and $`I_2`$ is the union of two disjoint intervals $`J_1`$ and $`J_2`$. The latter are the two light-like geodesic “shadows”, cast by $`O`$ onto the boundary.

Thus, the observables localized in a double-cone in anti-deSitter space $`AdS_{1,1}`$ are given by the intersection of two interval algebras $`A(I_i)`$ on the boundary for intervals $`I_i`$ with disconnected intersections (or equivalently, by essential duality, the joint commutant of two interval algebras for disjoint intervals). Such algebras have received much attention in the literature , notably within the context of superselection sectors. Namely, if $`I_1I_2=J_1J_2`$ consists of two disjoint intervals, then the intersection of algebras $`A(I_1)A(I_2)`$ is larger than the algebra $`A(J_1)A(J_2)`$. The excess can be attributed to the existence of superselection sectors , the extra operators being intertwiners which transport a superselection charge from one of the intervals $`J_i`$ to the other.

We conclude that (certain) compactly localized observables on anti-deSitter space are strongly delocalized observables (charge transporters) of the boundary theory. Yet there is no obstruction against both theories being Wightman theories generated by local Wightman fields, as the following simple example shows.

In suitable coordinates $`x_\mu =R(\mathrm{cos}t,\mathrm{cos}x,\mathrm{sin}t)/\mathrm{sin}x`$, the bulk is the strip $`(t,x)\times (0,\pi )`$ with points $`(t,x)(t+\pi ,\pi x)`$ identified, while the boundary are the points $`(0,u)`$, $`u\text{mod}\mathrm{\hspace{0.33em}2}\pi `$. The metric is a multiple of $`dt^2dx^2`$, thus the light rays emanating from the bulk point $`(t,x)`$ hit the boundary at the points $`u_\pm =t\pm x\text{mod}\mathrm{\hspace{0.33em}2}\pi `$. We see that, as the double-cone $`O`$ shrinks to a point $`(t,x)`$ in bulk, the two intervals $`J_i`$ on the boundary also shrink to points (namely $`u_\pm `$) while their distance remains finite.

Now, we consider the abelian current field $`j(u)`$ on the boundary, and determine the associated fields on anti-deSitter space. First, for $`(t,x)`$ in the strip, both $`j(t\pm x)`$ are localized at $`(t,x)`$ and give rise to a conserved vector current $`j^\mu `$ with components $`j^0(t,x)=j(t+x)+j(tx)`$, $`j^1(t,x)=j(t+x)+j(tx)`$. Furthermore, the fields $`\varphi _\alpha (t,x)=\mathrm{exp}i\alpha _{tx}^{t+x}j(u)𝑑u`$ (suitably regularized, of course), $`\alpha `$, are also localized at $`(t,x)`$. Namely, since the charge operator $`_{S^1}j(u)𝑑u`$ is a number $`q`$ in each irreducible representation, $`\varphi _\alpha (t,x)`$ may as well be represented as $`e^{i\alpha q}\mathrm{exp}i\alpha _{t+x2\pi }^{tx}j(u)𝑑u`$ and hence is localized in both complementary boundary intervals $`[tx,t+x]`$ and $`[t+x2\pi ,tx]`$ which overlap in the points $`u_+`$ and $`u_{}`$, as required.

Indeed, the fields $`\varphi _\alpha `$ can be obtained from bounded Weyl operators with finite localization as follows. $`A(I)`$ is generated by boundary observables of the Weyl form $`W(f)=\mathrm{exp}ij(f)`$ where $`f`$ is a smearing function on $`S^1`$ which is constant outside the interval $`I`$. Adding a constant to $`f`$ is immaterial for the localization since the commutation relations are given by the symplectic form $`f^{}g𝑑u`$. A Weyl operator $`W(f)`$ is localized in both intervals $`I_1`$, $`I_2`$ (notation as before) if $`f`$ has constant values on both gaps between $`J_1`$, $`J_2`$, but it is not a product of Weyl operators in $`J_1`$ and in $`J_2`$ whenever these values are different. As a bulk observable, $`W(f)`$ is localized in the double-cone $`O=W_1W_2`$, and operators of this form generate $`B(O)`$. Suitably regularized limits of $`W(f)`$ yield the point-like local fields $`\varphi _\alpha (t,x)`$.

For the more expert reader, we mention that our identification of double-cone algebras in bulk with two-interval algebras on the boundary also shows how the notorious difficulty to compute the modular group for two-interval algebras  is related to the difficulty to compute the modular group of double-cone algebras in massive theories. (We discuss below that in a scaling limit the massive anti-deSitter theory approaches a conformal flat space theory. In this limit, the modular group can again be computed.)

We now prove the Proposition of Sect. 1. It asserts that the algebras $`B(O_n)`$ generate $`B(W)`$ whenever a family of double-cones $`O_nW`$ covers the wedge $`WAdS_{1,1}`$.

Each $`B(O_n)`$ is of the form $`A(I_{n1})A(I_{n2})`$ where $`I_{n1}I=\alpha (W)`$ and $`I_{n1}I_{n2}=J_{n1}J_{n2}`$ is a union of two disjoint intervals. By definition, the assertion is equivalent to

$$A(I)=\underset{n}{}A(I_{n1})A(I_{n2}),$$

where the inclusion “$``$” holds since each $`A(I_{n1})`$ is contained in $`A(I)`$. On the other hand, the algebras on the right hand side are larger than $`A(J_{n1})A(J_{n2})`$. If $`O_n`$ cover the wedge $`W`$, then the intervals $`J_{n1}`$ and $`J_{n2}`$, as $`n`$ runs, cover the interval $`I=\alpha (W)`$. So the claim follows from weak additivity of the boundary theory. $`\mathrm{}`$

In $`d2+1`$ dimensions, the situation is drastically different. Namely, if a family of small boundary double-cones $`I_i`$ covers the space-like basis of a large double-cone $`I`$, and $`W_i`$ and $`W`$ denote the associated anti-deSitter wedge regions, then – unlike in 1+1 dimensions – $`W`$ will contain a bulk double-cone $`O`$ which is space-like to all $`W_i`$. Consequently, $`B(O)B(W)=A(I)`$ must commute with the algebra $`_iA(I_i)`$ generated by all $`B(W_i)=A(I_i)`$. But in theories based on gauge-invariant Wightman fields (with the localization of operators determined in terms of smearing functions), the latter algebra coincides with $`A(_iI_i)`$. This algebra in turn coincides with $`A(I)`$ whenever the dynamics is generated by a Hamiltonian which is an integral over a local density, because then the observables in a neighbourhood of the space-like basis of $`I`$ determine the observables in all of $`I`$. Thus $`B(O)`$ must belong to the center of $`A(I)`$ which is commutative (classical). Hence, a Wightman boundary theory is associated with a bulk theory without compactly localized quantum observables.

Conversely, if there are double-cone localized bulk observables (e.g., if the bulk theory is itself described by a Wightman field ), then the nontriviality of $`B(O)`$ requires $`A(_iI_i)=A(I)`$ to be strictly larger than $`_iA(I_i)`$. This violation of additivity seems to be characteristic of non-abelian gauge theories where Wilson loop operators are not generated by point-like gauge invariant fields (cf. also the discussion in ).

These issues certainly deserve a more detailed and careful analysis. For the moment, we conclude that the holographic correspondence necessarily relates, in more than 1+1 dimensions, Wightman type boundary theories to bulk theories without compactly localized observables (topological theories), in agreement with a remark on Chern-Simons theories in , and, conversely, bulk theories with point-like fields to boundary theories which share properties of non-abelian gauge theories, in agreement with the occurrence of Yang-Mills theory in .

## 3 Speculations

It is an interesting side-aspect of the last remark in the previous section that the holographic correspondence in both directions relates gauge theories to Wightman theories. It might therefore provide a new constructive scheme giving access to gauge theories.

If one is interested in quantum field theories on Minkowski rather than anti-deSitter space, one may consider the flat space limit in which the curvature radius $`R`$ of anti-deSitter space tends to infinity, or equivalently consider a region of anti-deSitter space which is much smaller than the curvature radius. The regime $`|x|<<R`$ asymptotically becomes flat Minkowski space, and the anti-deSitter group contracts to the Poincaré group. Thus, one obtains a Minkowski space theory on $`^{1,s}`$ from a conformal theory on $`CM_{1,s1}`$ through a scaling limit  of the associated theory on $`AdS_{1,s}`$.

For $`d=1+1`$, this can be done quite explicitly. The double-cones algebras $`B(O)`$ are certain extensions of the algebras $`A(J_1)A(J_2)`$, as discussed before. Now in the flat regime the intervals $`J_i`$ become small of order $`|O|/R`$. Thus for a substantial portion of Minkowski space, the relevant intervals $`J_i`$ are all contained in a suitable but fixed pair of non-overlapping intervals $`K_i`$. Let us now assume that the conformal net has the split property (an algebraic property valid in any chiral quantum field theory for which Tr exp $`\beta L_0`$ exists), which ensures that states can be independently prepared on causally disjoint regions with a finite distance . Then $`A(K_1)A(K_2)`$ is unitarily isomorphic to $`A(K_1)A(K_2)`$, and the isomorphism is inherited by all its subalgebras $`A(J_1)A(J_2)A(J_1)A(J_2)`$. Under this isomorphism, the larger algebra $`B(O)`$ is identified  with the standard construction  of 1+1-dimensional conformal Minkowski space observables from a given chiral conformal net (which corresponds to the diagonal modular invariant and is sometimes quoted as the Longo-Rehren net): $`B(O)B_{\mathrm{LR}}(J_1\times J_2)`$ if $`O`$ corresponds to $`I_1I_2=J_1J_2K_1K_2`$. The unitary isomorphism of algebras, however, does not take the vacuum state on $`B`$ to the vacuum state on the LR net.

Thus, the flat space limit of the anti-deSitter space theory in 1+1 dimensions associated with a given chiral conformal theory, is given by the LR net associated with that same chiral theory. Note that the LR net has 1+1-dimensional conformal symmetry, but of course the anti-deSitter net is not conformally invariant due to the presence of the curvature scale $`R`$.

It would be interesting to get an analogous understanding of the flat space limit of the anti-deSitter space theory in higher dimensions in terms of the associated conformal theory.

One might speculate whether one can “iterate holography”, and use the flat space limit of the bulk theory on $`AdS_{1,s}`$ as a boundary input for a new bulk theory on $`AdS_{1,s+1}`$. Here, however, a warning is in order. Namely, the limiting flat space theory on Minkowski space $`^{1,s}`$ will, like the LR net, in general not be extendible to the conformal compactification $`CM_{1,s}`$ but rather to a covering thereof. One might therefore endeavour to extend the present analysis to theories on covering spaces both of anti-deSitter space and of its boundary.

There is an independent and physically motivated reason to study quantum field theories on a covering of anti-deSitter space. Namely, it has been observed (see above, ) that the local commutativity for causally disjoint but not causally disconnected observables leads to severe constraints on the possible interactions on anti-deSitter space proper. These constraints will disappear on the universal covering space.

This “anti-deSitter causality paradox” parallels very much the old “conformal causality paradox” that causal commutativity on $`CM_{1,s}`$ proper excludes most conformal theories of interest; it was solved  by the recognition that conformal fields naturally live on a covering space. Holography tells us that both problems are the two sides of the same coin.

Extending the present analysis to covering spaces seems a dubious task for $`d=1+1`$ since the boundary of the covering of two-dimensional anti-deSitter space has two connected components. In higher dimensions, however, we do not expect serious obstacles.

Acknowledgment

Previous versions of this paper have been improved in several respects on the basis of discussions with D. Buchholz, R. Verch (who also made the Figure), B. Schroer, R. Helling and many others, as well as questions raised by the referees. My thanks are due to all of them.