Unitary W-algebras and three-dimensional higher spin gravities with spin one symmetry

Abstract

We investigate whether there are unitary families of W-algebras with spin one fields in the natural example of the Feigin-Semikhatov $W_n^{(2) }$-algebra. This algebra is conjecturally a quantum Hamiltonian reduction corresponding to a non-principal nilpotent element. We conjecture that this algebra admits a unitary real form for even n. Our main result is that this conjecture is consistent with the known part of the operator product algebra, and especially it is true for n = 2 and n = 4. Moreover, we find certain ranges of allowed levels where a positive definite inner product is possible. We also find a unitary conformal field theory for every even n at the special level k + n = (n + 1)/(n − 1). At these points, the $W_n^{(2) }$-algebra is nothing but a compactified free boson. This family of W-algebras admits an ’t Hooft limit. Further, in the case of n = 4, we reproduce the algebra from the higher spin gravity point of view. In general, gravity computations allow us to reproduce some leading coefficients of the operator product.