Mirror symmetry in three dimensional gauge theories

Abstract We discuss non-trivial fixed points of the renormalization group with dual descriptions in N = 4 gauge theories in three dimensions. This new duality acts as mirror symmetry, exchanging the Higgs and Coulomb branches of the theories. Quantum effects on the Coulomb branch arise classically on the Higgs branch of the dual theory. We present examples of dual theories whose Higgs/Coulomb branch are the ALE spaces and whose Coulomb/Higgs branches are the moduli space of instantons of the corresponding ADE gauge group. In particular, we show that in three dimensions small E8 instantons in string theory are described by a local quantum field theory.