Casimir Effect Between World-Branes in Heterotic M-Theory
read the original abstract
We study a non-supersymmetric $E_8\times\bar E_8$ compactification of M-theory on $S^1/Z_2$, related to the supersymmetric $E_8\times E_8$ theory by a chirality flip at one of the boundaries. This system represents an M-theory analog of the D-brane anti-D-brane systems of string theory. Alternatively, this compactification can be viewed as a model of supersymmetry breaking in the ``brane-world'' approach to phenomenology. We calculate the Casimir energy of the system at large separations, and show that there is an attractive Casimir force between the $E_8$ and $\bar E_8$ boundary. We predict that a tachyonic instability develops at separations of order the Planck scale, and discuss the possibility that the M-theory fivebrane might appear as a topological defect supported by the $E_8\times\bar E_8$ system. Finally, we analyze the eventual fate of the configuration, in the semiclassical approximation at large separations: the two ends of the world annihilate by nucleating wormholes between the two boundaries.
This paper has not been read by Pith yet.
Forward citations
Cited by 8 Pith papers
-
Ho\v{r}ava-Witten theory on ${\mathbf{S}}^1\vee{\mathbf{S}}^1$ as type 0 orientifold
Hořava-Witten theory on S¹∨S¹ is dual to a type 0B orientifold with SO(16)^4 gauge group, explaining gauge group doubling via the geometry's junction and revealing two variants from E8 wall orientations.
-
An M-theory dS maximum from Casimir energies on Riemann-flat manifolds
Explicit scale-separated dS5 maximum in M-theory on a 6D Riemann-flat manifold with vacuum energy 10^{-8} in Planck units, obtained via Casimir energies and fluxes.
-
Bordisms between 9d type IIB supergravities and commutator widths of duality groups
Proposes a refinement of the Swampland Cobordism Conjecture for Ω1(BG) with duality bundle G, where diverging commutator width of G requires infinitely many duality defects to realize monodromies via gravitational solitons.
-
A Duality Web for Non-Supersymmetric Strings
A duality web is proposed in which Z2 quotients of M-theory on S1 vee S1 and F-theory on (S1 vee S1) x S1 map to 0A/0B orientifolds and non-supersymmetric E-type and D-type heterotic strings, providing evidence for ex...
-
Morse-Bott inequalities, Topology Change and Cobordisms to Nothing
Morse-Bott inequalities yield homology bounds and topology-change counts for generic cobordisms to nothing in string theory compactifications.
-
Heterotic Ouroboros
M-theory on S1 vee S1 with quotients and type I' mechanisms reproduces the light spectra and gauge groups of 10D heterotic theories, with evidence for junctions among them.
-
Heterotic Ouroboros
A consistent set of rules from M-theory on S¹ ∨ S¹ combined with type I' enhancements reproduces the light spectra, gauge groups, and global structure of ten-dimensional heterotic string theories, with indications of ...
-
Aspects of strings without spacetime supersymmetry
A survey of tachyons and tadpoles in non-supersymmetric closed and orientifold strings, including ten-dimensional models and landscape attempts.
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.