Related papers: Addendum to Reconciling Grand Unification with Str…
In this thesis we study string compactifications on manifolds equipped with a $G$-structure, placing a special emphasis on the interplay between geometry and physics. We follow two complementary approaches. In the first part of the thesis…
We discuss the low energy implications of gauge coupling unification at the string scale, taking into account string threshold corrections in the $SU(4) {\times} O(4)$ model. We express $sin^2\theta_W$ and $a_3$ as functions of the…
M-theory on ${\mathbf{S}}^1\vee{\mathbf{S}}^1$ has recently been proposed to yield, via quotients, ten-dimensional non-supersymmetric string theories. We revisit the construction that leads to the heterotic theories, finding a consistent…
The strategy for assigning $Z_{4R}$ parity in the string compactification is presented. For the visible sector, an anti-SU(5) (flipped-SU(5)) grand unification (GUT) model with three families is used to reduce the number of representations…
We present a minimal viable Gauge-Higgs Grand Unification scenario in warped space based on a $SU(6)$ bulk symmetry - unifying the gauge symmetries of the SM and their breaking sector. We show how the issue of light exotic new states is…
We consider a minimal renormalizable non-supersymmetric $E_6$ Grand Unified Theory using fundamental representation $27$ for fermions and scalars. The scalar with adjoint representation ${78}$ is also taken for direct breaking of $E_{6}$ to…
We consider gauge coupling unification in E6 F-Theory Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) where E6 is broken to the Standard Model (SM) gauge group using fluxes. In such models there are two types of exotics that can affect gauge coupling…
We analyze Yukawa unification in the the context of $E_8\times E_8$ heterotic Calabi-Yau models which rely on breaking to a GUT theory via a non-flat gauge bundle and subsequent Wilson line breaking to the standard model. Our focus is on…
We construct non-geometric string compactifications by using the F-theory dual of the heterotic string compactified on a two-torus with two Wilson line parameters, together with a close connection between modular forms and the equations for…
We derive the moduli dependent threshold corrections to gauge couplings in toroidal orbifold compactifications. The underlying six dimensional torus lattice of the heterotic string theory is not assumed ---as in previous calculations--- to…
We reconsider the issue of large-volume compactifications of the heterotic string in light of the recent discoveries about strongly-coupled string theories. Our conclusion remains firmly negative with respect to classical compactifications…
A review of orbifold geometry is given, followed by a review of the construction of four-dimensional heterotic string models by compactification on a six-dimensional Z_3 orbifold. Particular attention is given to the details of the…
In the first part of the talk, I explain what empirical evidence points to the need for having an effective grand unification-like symmetry possessing the symmetry SU(4)-color in 4D. If one assumes the premises of a future predictive theory…
Gauge coupling unification is studied within the framework where there are extra Higgs doublets and $E_6$ exotic fields. Supersymmetric models and nonsupersymmetric models are investigated, and a catalog of models with gauge coupling…
Compactifications of the heterotic string on T^d are the simplest, yet rich enough playgrounds to uncover swampland ideas: the U(1)^{d+16} left-moving gauge symmetry gets enhanced at special points in moduli space only to certain groups. We…
We present a Grand Unified Theory (GUT) that has GUT fields with masses of the order of a TeV, but at the same time preserves (at the one-loop level) the success of gauge-coupling unification of the MSSM and the smallness of proton decay…
A long-standing problem in string phenomenology has been the fact that the string unification scale disagrees with the GUT scale obtained by extrapolating low-energy data within the framework of the minimal supersymmetric standard model…
We investigate heterotic ground states in four dimensions in which N=4 supersymmetry is spontaneously broken to N=2. N=4 supersymmetry is restored at a decompactification limit corresponding to $m_{3/2}\to 0$. We calculate the full moduli…
Use of the AdS/CFT correspondence to arrive at phenomenological gauge field theories is dicussed, focusing on the orbifolded case without supersymmetry. An abelian orbifold with the finite group $Z_{p}$ can give rise to a $G = SU(N)^p$…
A field theory approach to summing threshold effects to the gauge couplings in a two-torus compactification is presented and the link with the (heterotic) string calculation is carefully investigated. We analyse whether the complete UV…