Related papers: On Algorithmic Universality in F-theory Compactifi…
We propose a new geometric mechanism for naturally realizing unparallel three families of flavors in string theory, using the framework of F-theory. We consider a set of coalesced local 7-branes of a particular Kodaira singularity type and…
We consider the possibility of breaking the GUT group to the Standard Model gauge group in F-theory compactifications by turning on certain U(1) fluxes. We show that the requirement of massless hypercharge is equivalent to a topological…
Center one-form symmetries in consistent quantum gravity theories are expected to be either broken or gauged, thereby determining the global form of the gauge group. We shed light on this expectation from the perspective of distinguished…
D3-branes are often a necessary ingredient in global compactifications of F-theory. In minimal realizations of flavor hierarchies in F-theory GUT models, suitable fluxes are turned on, which in turn attract D3-branes to the Yukawa points.…
It is shown that the correct mathematical implementation of symmetry in the geometric formulation of classical field theory leads naturally beyond the concept of Lie groups and their actions on manifolds, out into the realm of Lie group…
The compactification of the heterotic string on six-dimensional orbifolds is reviewed. Some important technical aspects of their construction are clarified and new parameters, called generalized discrete torsion, are introduced and related…
We analyse the geometry of generic Minkowski $\mathcal{N}=1$, $D=4$ flux compactifications in string theory, the default backgrounds for string model building. In M-theory they are the natural string theoretic extensions of $\mathrm{G}_2$…
Gauge coupling unification misleads infrared observers if new gauge bosons do not simultaneously come into the spectrum. Though easy to engineer in gauge theory, the situation in string theory is nuanced, due to moduli dependence. We study…
We consider, for each exchange matrix B, a category of geometric cluster algebras over B and coefficient specializations between the cluster algebras. The category also depends on an underlying ring R, usually the integers, rationals, or…
We observe a new puzzling physical phenomenon in F-theory on the multisection geometry, wherein a model without a gauge group transitions to another model with a discrete $\mathbb{Z}_n$ gauge group via Higgsing. This phenomenon may suggest…
Many important ideas about string duality that appear in conventional $\T^2$ compactification have analogs for $\T^2$ compactification without vector structure. We analyze some of these issues and show, in particular, how orientifold planes…
We slightly extend the notion of a natural fibre bundle by requiring diffeomorphisms of the base to lift to automorphisms of the bundle only infinitesimally, i.e. at the level of the Lie algebra of vector fields. Spin structures are natural…
We give a review of truncated L$_\infty$ algebras, as used in the study of higher gauge theory. These structures are believed to hold the correct properties to adequately describe gauge theory of extended objects. We discuss how to…
In the case of F-theory compactifications on genus-one fibrations without section there are naturally appearing discrete symmetries, which we argue to be associated to geometrically massive U(1) gauge symmetries. These discrete symmetries…
While M- and F-theory compactifications describe a much larger class of vacua than perturbative string compactifications, they typically need singularities to generate non-abelian gauge fields and charged matter. The physical explanation…
We describe special supersymmetric gauge theories in three, five, seven and nine dimensions, whose compactification on two-, four-, six- and eight-folds produces a supersymmetric quantum mechanics on moduli spaces of holomorphic bundles…
We revisit general arguments for the absence of exact continuous global symmetries in string compactifications and extend them to D-brane models. We elucidate the various ways approximate continuous global symmetries arise in the…
In the gauge theory approach to the geometric Langlands program, ramification can be described in terms of ``surface operators,'' which are supported on two-dimensional surfaces somewhat as Wilson or 't Hooft operators are supported on…
We study elliptic fibrations by analyzing suitable deformations of the fibrations and vanishing cycles. We introduce geometric string junctions and describe some of their properties. We show how the structure of the geometric string…
We explore higher-form symmetries of M- and F-theory compactified on elliptic fibrations, determined by the topology of their asymptotic boundaries. The underlying geometric structures are shown to be equivalent to known characterizations…