{
  "abstract": "A bstract : We initiate the study of null line defects in Lorentzian conformal field theories in various dimensions. We show that null lines geometrically preserve a larger set of conformal isometries than their timelike and spacelike counterparts, explain a connection to non-relativistic systems, and constrain correlation functions using conformal Ward identities. We argue that having conformal symmetry, and especially maximal conformal symmetry, is extremely constraining — nearly trivializing systems. We consider the (3+1)d scalar pinning field and null Wilson line examples in depth, compare their results to ultraboosted limits of timelike and spacelike systems, and argue that shockwave-type solutions are generic. A number of physical consistency conditions compel us to consider defect correlators as distributions on a restricted subspace of Schwartz test functions. Consequently, we provide a resolution to the longstanding problem of ultraboosted limits of gauge potentials in classical electromagnetism. We briefly analyze semi-infinite sources for the scalar in (4 − ϵ )-dimensions, consider solutions on the Lorentzian cylinder, and introduce the “perfect null polygon” which emerges for compatibility between Gauss’ law and ultraboosted limits.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques",
    "Stony Brook University"
  ],
  "article_type": null,
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 3,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Rajeev S. Erramilli",
      "orcid": "0000-0001-9854-5196"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Justin Kulp",
      "orcid": "0000-0001-5812-0943"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Fedor K. Popov",
      "orcid": "0000-0001-7350-5550"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/2tbbe0c01270d.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.1007/jhep10(2026)095",
  "fulltext_url": null,
  "id": "2tbbe0c01270d",
  "issns": [
    "1029-8479"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://link.springer.com/10.1007/JHEP10(2026)095",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "3106|Black Holes and Theoretical Physics"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W4414758991",
  "pdf_url": "https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/JHEP10(2026)095.pdf",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-10-08",
  "publisher": "Springer Science and Business Media LLC",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/2tbbe0c01270d.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:18:01Z",
      "native_id": "10.1007/jhep10(2026)095",
      "source": "crossref",
      "url": "https://link.springer.com/10.1007/JHEP10(2026)095"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "physics",
      "origin": "openalex:3106|Black Holes and Theoretical Physics",
      "subfield": "high-energy"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Do null defects dream of conformal symmetry?",
  "title_text": "Do null defects dream of conformal symmetry?",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:18:01Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/2tbbe0c01270d",
  "venue": "Journal of High Energy Physics",
  "versions": []
}