Related papers: M-Theory Dynamics On A Manifold Of G_2 Holonomy

An old idea for explaining the hierarchy is strong gauge dynamics. We show that such dynamics {\it also} stabilises the moduli in $M$ theory compactifications on manifolds of $G_2$-holonomy {\it without} fluxes. This gives stable vacua with…

We investigate the four-dimensional supergravity theory obtained from the compactification of eleven-dimensional supergravity on a smooth manifold of G_2 holonomy. We give a new derivation for the Kaehler potential associated with the…

We compute the moduli Kahler potential for M-theory on a compact manifold of G_2 holonomy in a large radius approximation. Our method relies on an explicit G_2 structure with small torsion, its periods and the calculation of the approximate…

We analyze correlation functions of $SU(k) \times SU(2)_F$ flavor currents in a family of three-dimensional ${\cal N}=4$ superconformal field theories, combining analytic bootstrap methods with input from supersymmetric localization. Via…

Phenomenological compactifications of M-theory involve 7-manifolds with G_2 holonomy and various singularities. Here we study local geometries with such singularities, by thinking of them as compactifications of 7d supersymmetric Yang-Mills…

A recent theorem of Foscolo-Haskins-Nordstr\"om which constructs complete $G_2$-holonomy orbifolds from circle bundles over Calabi-Yau cones can be utilised to construct and investigate a large class of generalisations of the $M$-theory…

Gauge theory defined on the orbifold $M^4 \times (S^1/Z_2)$ is investigated from the viewpoint of the Hosotani mechanism. Rearrangement of gauge symmetry takes place due to the dynamics of Wilson line phases. The physical symmetry of the…

We construct a topological theory for euclidean gravity in four dimensions, by enforcing self-duality conditions on the spin connection. The corresponding topological symmetry is associated to the SU(2) X diffeomorphism X U(1) invariance.…

We consider the interplay between brane constructions and type IIA, IIB or M-theory geometries on Calabi-Yau (CY) and G_2 holonomy manifolds. This is related to N=1 (and N=2) gauge theories in four dimensions. We first discuss simple…

We study Witten's proposal that a domain wall exists in M-theory fivebrane version of QCD (MQCD) and that it can be represented as a supersymmetric three-cycle in G_2 holonomy manifold. It is shown that equations defining the U(1) invariant…

This diploma thesis has three major objectives. Firstly, we give an elementary introduction to M-theory compactifications, which are obtained from an analysis of its low-energy effective theory, eleven-dimensional supergravity. In…

A brief, example-oriented introduction is given to special holonomy and its uses in string theory and M-theory. We discuss A_k singularities and their resolution; the construction of a K3 surface by resolving T^4/Z_2; holomorphic cycles,…

We investigate hetrotic string theory on special holonomy manifolds including exceptional holonomy G_2 and Spin(7) manifolds. The gauge symmetry is F_4 in a G_2 manifold compactification, and so(9) in a Spin(7) manifold compactification. We…

Compactifications of M-theory on manifolds with reduced holonomy arise as the local eleven-dimensional description of D6-branes wrapped on supersymmetric cycles in manifolds of lower dimension with a different holonomy group. Whenever the…

We investigate M-theory and heterotic compactifications to 7 and 3 dimensions. In 7 dimensions we discuss a class of massive supergravities that arise from M-theory on K3 and point out obstructions to realizing these theories in a dual…

We show using string dualities that Mathieu moonshine controls Gromov-Witten invariants and periods of the holomorphic 3-form $\Omega$ for certain $CY_3$ manifolds. We also discuss how the period vectors appear in flux compactifications on…

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 study supergravity solutions corresponding to fivebranes wrapped on a three-sphere inside a G_2 holonomy manifold. By changing a parameter the solutions interpolate between a G_2 manifold X_i \cong S^3 x R^4 with flux on a three-sphere…

We show how a recently proposed large $N$ duality in the context of type IIA strings with ${\cal N}=1$ supersymmetry in 4 dimensions can be derived from purely geometric considerations by embedding type IIA strings in M-theory. The phase…

We consider the non-perturbative superpotential for a class of four-dimensional $\mathcal N=1$ vacua obtained from M-theory on seven-manifolds with holonomy $G_2$. The class of $G_2$-holonomy manifolds we consider are so-called twisted…