Related papers: From strings to the MSSM
We review a systematic construction of $\cx N=1$ supersymmetric heterotic string vacua using mirror symmetry. The method provides a large class of explicit solutions for stable, holomorphic vector bundles on Calabi-Yau n-folds Z_n in terms…
We review recent developments in the construction of heterotic and type II string field theories and their various applications. These include systematic procedures for determining the shifts in the vacuum expectation values of fields under…
We discuss an explicit construction of a string dual for the Gaussian matrix model. Starting from the matrix model and employing Strebel differential techniques we deduce hints about the structure of the dual string. Next, following these…
We examine recent claims of a large set of flux compactification solutions of string theory. We conclude that the arguments for AdS solutions are plausible. The analysis of meta-stable dS solutions inevitably leads to situations where long…
Three family SU(3)_C x SU(2)_L x U(1)_Y string models in several constructions generically possess two features: (i) an extra local anomalous U(1)_A and (ii) numerous (often fractionally charged) exotic particles beyond those in the minimal…
This thesis is almost entirely devoted to studying string theory backgrounds characterized by simple geometrical and integrability properties. The archetype of this type of system is given by Wess-Zumino-Witten models, describing string…
The connection between Superstring theory and the low--energy world is analyzed. In particular, the soft Supersymmetry--breaking terms arising in Supergravity theories coming from Superstrings are computed. Several solutions proposed to…
We construct and analyze an $SU(6)\times SU(2)$ GUT. The model is k=1 string embedable in the sense that we employ only chiral representations allowed at the k=1 level of the associated Ka\v{c}-Moody Algebra. Both cases $SU(6)\times…
We study and extend the duality web unifying different decoupling limits of type II superstring theories and M-theory. We systematically build connections to different corners, such as Matrix theories, nonrelativistic string and M-theory,…
A natural gradual extension of the idea of Grand Unification is to attempt to relate the gauge and Yukawa couplings; Gauge-Yukawa Unification (GYU). However, within the framework of renormalizable field theories, there exists no realistic…
We discuss the obstacles for defining a set of observable quantities analogous to an S-matrix which are needed to formulate string theory in an accelerating universe. We show that the quintessence models with the equations of state $-1 < w…
We present an account of the early developments that led to the present form of the flipped $SU(5)$ string model. We focus on the method used to decide on this particular string model, as well as the basic steps followed in constructing…
The subject of this thesis are various ways to construct four-dimensional quantum field theories from string theory. In a first part we study the generation of a supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory, coupled to an adjoint chiral superfield,…
The status of coupling constant unification -- assuming the validity of the standard model or of its minimal supersymmetric extension at high energies -- and of relations between various Yukawa couplings (assuming the supersymmetri…
The recent discovery of the Standard Model boson (SMS) and direct searches place new constraints and a new perspective on New Physics models. I mostly review supersymmetric model building, with special emphasizes on predictions of flavor…
We introduce a new heterotic Standard Model which has precisely the spectrum of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM), with no exotic matter. The observable sector has gauge group SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1). Our model is obtained from…
In Gravity Unified Theories all operators that are consistent with the local gauge and discrete symmetries are expected to arise in the effective low-energy theory. Given the absence of multiplets like 126 of SO(10) in string models, and…
We discuss the singularities in the moduli space of string compactifications to six dimensions with $N=1$ supersymmetry. Such singularities arise from either massless particles or non-critical tensionless strings. The points with…
The prediction of small neutrino masses through the Seesaw Mechanism and their subsequent measurement suggests that the natural cut-off of the Standard Model is very high indeed. The recent neutrino data must be interpreted as a reflection…
This paper provides an overview to three recent papers on the bottom up approach to GUTs in F-theory. We assume only a minimal familiarity with string theory and phenomenology. After explaining the potential for predictive string…