String Theory and Unification

Abstract

The use of the AdS/CFT correspondence to arrive at quiver gauge field theories is discussed. An abelian orbifold with the finite group $Z_p$ can give rise to a nonsupersymmetric $G=U(N{)}^p$ gauge theory with chiral fermions and complex scalars in different bi-fundamental representations of $G$. The precision measurements at the $Z$ resonance suggest the values $p=12$ and $N=3$, and a unifications scale $M_U\sim 4$ TeV. Dedicated to the 65th birthday of Pran Nath.

arXiv comment11 pages, 2 figures, talk at PASCOS 2004 / Nath Fest