Permutation orbifolds of heterotic Gepner models

We study orbifolds by permutations of two identical N=2$N=2$ minimal models within the Gepner construction of four-dimensional heterotic strings. This is done using the new N=2$N=2$ supersymmetric permutation orbifold building blocks we have recently developed. We compare our results with the old method of modding out the full string partition function. The overlap between these two approaches is surprisingly small, but whenever a comparison can be made we find complete agreement. The use of permutation building blocks allows us to use the complete arsenal of simple current techniques that is available for standard Gepner models, vastly extending what could previously be done for permutation orbifolds. In particular, we consider (0,2)$(0,2)$ models, breaking of SO(10)$\mathit{SO}(10)$ to subgroups, weight-lifting for the minimal models and B-L lifting. Some previously observed phenomena, for example concerning family number quantization, extend to this new class as well, and in the lifted models three-family models occur with abundance comparable to two or four.     

A mini-landscape of exact MSSM spectra in heterotic orbifolds

We explore a “fertile patch” of the heterotic landscape based on a Z₆-II${\mathbb{Z}}_6\text{-II}$ orbifold with SO(10) and E₆ local GUT structures. We search for models allowing for the exact MSSM spectrum. Our result is that of order 100 out of a total 3×¹⁰⁴$3\times {10}^4$ inequivalent models satisfy this requirement.     

Constraints on asymmetric orbifolds

It is claimed that besides the left-right matching condition, one has to check the relative phases dictated by modular invariance for an asymmetric orbifold to give rise to an acceptable model.     

Gauge couplings in four-dimensional type I string orbifolds

We compute threshold effects to gauge couplings in four-dimensional _N orientifold models of type I strings with GN = 2 and GN = 1 supersymmetry, and study their dependence on the geometric moduli. We also compute the tree-level (disk) couplings of the open sector gauge fields to the twisted closed string moduli of the orbifold in various models and study their effects and that of the one-loop threshold corrections on gauge coupling unification. We interpret the results from the (supergravity) effective theory point of view and comment on the conjectured heterotic-type I duality.     

Gauge symmetries of electroweak interactions

By considering the symmetries associated with baryon number and lepton number conservation as gauge symmetries, the underlying gauge symmetry of weak electromagnetic interactions is shown to beSU(2) _L ×U(1)×U(1)Baryon×U(1)_Lepton. If right-handed currents exist on a par with the observed left-handed ones, then the full symmetry of electroweak interactions that emerges isSU(2)_L×SU(2)_R×U(1)_Baryon×U(1)_Lepton. These symmetries offer a rich spectrum of massive neutral gauge bosons, one of which is the massive neutral boson of the standardSU(2) _L ×U(1) _Y model.     

Gauge symmetries in 2D field theory

A simple algorithm is proposed for constructing generators of gauge symmetry as well as reducibility relations for arbitrary systems of partial differential equations in two dimensions.     

Model building on asymmetric Z3 orbifolds: Non-supersymmetric models

Four-dimensional string models arising in the asymmetric Z₃ orbifold compactifications of the heterotic string are studied. A mechanism for supersymmetry breaking that gives rise to chiral models in four dimensions is presented, and some typical models are discussed. A formalism for calculating one-loop partition functions in Z₃ models is developed. One partition function is constructed that may correspond to a non-supersymmetric, tachyon-free theory, with a vanishing cosmological constant as a consequence of Atkin-Lehner symmetry. The negative result of a search for the model corresponding to this partition function is reported.     

Gauge string in the fermion asymmetric matter

Two new effects of interaction of the gauge string with a homogeneous density of fermions are considered in a gauge model with an anomalous coupling of vector fields with fermions. First, the presence of an induced nonzero magnetic-like helicity on the straight string is demonstrated. Second, it is shown that the equation of motion of the string is modified by a nonlinear term that can be decomposed into the correction to the string tension and an additional force perpendicular to the tangent and normal vectors of the string. Static configurations are found and their stability is studied.     

Chirped photonic crystal with different symmetries for asymmetric light propagation

In the present paper, we have carried out analysis of asymmetric light propagation in a chirped photonic crystal waveguide. The designed structures have hexagonal arrangement and square arrangement of silicon rods in air substrate. Dimensions of the defect rods are tailored, so that the proposed design structure works as an optical isolator. The transmission analysis of the structure reveals that it can act as an optical diode. We have plotted the extinction ratio and transmission analysis graphs for the structure, and it has been observed that the maximum output is obtained for telecom wavelength of 1.55 μm. Dispersion curves are obtained using the plane wave expansion method, and the transmission is simulated using finite element method. The proposed structures are applicable for photonic integrated circuits due to their simple and clear operating principle.     

Permutation orbifolds

A general theory of permutation orbifolds is developed for arbitrary twist groups. Explicit expressions for the number of primaries, the partition function, the genus one characters, the matrix elements of modular transformations and for fusion rule coefficients are presented, together with the relevant mathematical concepts, such as Λ-matrices and twisted dimensions. The arithmetic restrictions implied by the theory for the allowed modular representations in CFT are discussed. The simplest nonabelian example with twist group S₃ is described to illustrate the general theory.     

Degenerate orbifolds

We present evidence for the existence of new four-dimensional string theories, obtained from a smooth variation of background fields in the twisted sectors of symmetric and asymmetric orbifolds. Flat directions only in the untwisted sector are shown to reproduce previously constructed models in terms of Wilson lines, exhibiting a Three-Higgs-Rule (THR). The new models provide a mechanism to lower the rank of the gauge group, lead to more flexible Yukawa couplings and give a strict separation of hidden and observable sectors, which are usually mixed in (2, 0)-models. Even though Fayet-Iliopoulos terms are induced in some of the models due to the presence of anomalous U(1)'s supersymmetry remains, in general, unbroken. Particular examples of the new models correspond to “blown up” versions of (2, 0)-orbifolds.