Geometry of Rank Reduction
arXiv:hep-th/0504117 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.72.026001
Abstract
We introduce continuous Wilson lines to reduce the rank of the gauge group in orbifold constructions. In situations where the orbifold twist can be realised as a rotation in the root lattice of a grand unified group we derive an appealing geometric picture of the symmetry breakdown. This symmetry breakdown is smooth and corresponds to a standard field theory Higgs mechanism. The embedding into heterotic string theory is discussed.
27 pages