Three-dimensional CFTs and RG flow from squashing M2-brane horizon

Utilizing AdS/CFT correspondence in M-theory, an example of interacting d = 3 conformal field theories and renormalization group now between them is p resented. Near-horizon geometry of N coincident M2-branes located on a coni cal singularity on eight-dimensional hyper-Kahler manifold or manifold with Spin(7) holonomy is, in large-N limit, AdS(4) X X-7, where X-7 is seven-sp here with squashing. Deformation from round S-7 to squashed one is known to lead to spontaneous breaking of N = 8 local supersymmetry in gauged AdS(4) supergravity to N = 1,0. Via AdS/CFT correspondence. it is interpreted as renormalization group flow from SO(5) X SO(3) symmetric UV fixed point to S O(8) symmetric IR fixed point. Evidence for the interpretation is found bot h from the supergravity scalar potential and from the existence of interpol ating static domain-wall thereof, and from the conformal dimensions of the relevant chiral primary operator at each fixed point. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.