Constant versus Field Dependent Gauge Couplings in Supersymmetric Theories

Abstract

We briefly discuss the differences between considering the gauge coupling as a constant or as a field, the dilaton, in N=1 supersymmetric theories. We emphasize the differences regarding supersymmetry breaking. Recent developments on the nonperturbative dynamics of these theories provide new ideas on the induced dilaton potential and its stabilization.

Talk at PAST 97, Trieste, 10 pages, latex, sprocl.sty