Related papers: Aspects of String unification
We propose a minimal embedding of the Standard Model spectrum in a D-brane configuration of type I string theory. The SU(3) color and SU(2) weak interactions arise from two different collections of branes. The model is neither grand unified…
Extra "hidden" U(1) gauge factors are a generic feature of string theory that is of particular phenomenological interest. They can kinetically mix with the Standard Model photon and are thereby accessible to a wide variety of astrophysical…
Gauge symmetry enhancing, at specific points of the compactification space, is a distinguished feature of string theory. In this work we discuss the breaking of such symmetries with tools provided by Double Field Theory (DFT). As a main…
We construct realistic theories in which the Higgs fields arise from extra dimensional components of higher dimensional gauge fields. In particular, we present a minimal 5D SU(3)_C x SU(3)_W model and a unified 5D SU(6) model. In both cases…
The extension of the Standard Model to $SU(3)_L \times SU(3)_R \times SU(3)_C$ (the trinification group) augmented by the $ SO(3)_G $ flavor group is considered. In our phenomenological treatment partly known and partly proposed vacuum…
The capability of string theories to reproduce at low energy the observed pattern of quark and lepton masses and mixing angles is examined, focusing the attention on orbifold constructions, where the magnitude of Yukawa couplings depends on…
The ground state of string theory may lie at a point of ``maximally enhanced symmetry", at which all of the moduli transform under continuous or discrete symmetries. This hypothesis, along with the hypotheses that the theory at high…
We present a new scenario for gauge coupling unification in flipped SU(5) string models, which identifies the $M_{32}$ scale of SU(3) and SU(2) unification with the empirical $M_{\rm LEP}\sim10^{15-16}$~GeV scale, and the $M_{51}$ scale of…
In order to achieve gauge unification at the string scale M_X sim 5.10^17 GeV in the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) it is necessary to add extra gauge non-singlet representations at an intermediate scale M_I<M_X, leading to a…
Many models of beyond Standard Model physics connect flavor symmetry with a discrete group. Having this symmetry arise spontaneously from a gauge theory maintains compatibility with quantum gravity and can be used to systematically prevent…
Is string theory uniquely determined by self-consistency? Causality and unitarity seemingly permit a multitude of putative deformations, at least at the level of two-to-two scattering. Motivated by this question, we initiate a systematic…
The standard model taken with a momentum space cut-off may be viewed as an effective low energy theory. The structure of it and its known parameters can give us hints for relations between these parameters. In the present investigation the…
We consider no-scale extended supergravity models as they arise from string and M-theory compactifications in presence of fluxes. The special role of gauging axion symmetries for the Higgs and superHiggs mechanism is outlined.
The recent evidence for neutrino oscillations stimulate us to discuss again the problem of fermion masses and mixings in gauge theories. In the standard model, several forms for quark mass matrices are equivalent. They become ansatze within…
We consider gauge coupling unification in models with TeV scale strings and large compact dimensions realized as type IIB string orientifolds. Following an observation by Ibanez we show that the gauge couplings at low energies can behave as…
We review recent progress in realizing Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) in a strongly coupled formulation of type IIB string theory known as F-theory. Our main emphasis is on the expected low-energy phenomenology of a minimal class of F-theory…
We suggest a simple grand unified theory where the fifth dimensional coordinate is compactified on an $S^1/(Z_2 \times Z_2')$ orbifold. This model contains additional ${\bf 10 + \overline{10}}$, (${\bf 15 + \overline{15}}$) and two ${\bf…
Modular transformations of string theory (including the well-known stringy dualities) play a crucial role in the discussion of discrete flavor symmetries in the Standard Model. They are at the origin of CP transformations and provide a…
An analysis of a special class of type II string theory compactifications is presented. We focus on recent work in one particular orientifold background of intersecting brane models and the resulting four dimensional gauge group and matter…
The discovery of the Higgs together with the excellent performance of the LHC allow to make precision tests of Brout-Englert-Higgs Physics, and especially its underlying field-theory. In this field theory strict gauge-invariance requires…