New M-theory Backgrounds with Frozen Moduli

Abstract

We propose examples, which involve orbifolds by elements of the U-duality group, with M-theory moduli fixed at the eleven-dimensional Planck scale. We begin by reviewing asymmetric orbifold constructions in perturbative string theory, which fix radial moduli at the string scale. Then we consider non-perturbative aspects of those backgrounds (brane probes and the orbifold action from the eleven-dimensional point of view). This leads us to consider mutually non-perturbative group actions. Using a combination of dualities, matrix theory, and ideas for the generalization of the perturbative orbifold prescription, we present evidence that the examples we construct are consistent M-theory backgrounds. In particular we argue that there should be consistent non-supersymmetric compactifications of M-theory.

13 pages, harvmac big, references added

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Cited by in corpus (22)

• 4d Conformal Field Theories and Strings on Orbifolds
• Moduli Stabilization from Fluxes in a Simple IIB Orientifold
• Duality Twists, Orbifolds, and Fluxes
• Geometric Constructions of Nongeometric String Theories
• Flux-induced Soft Supersymmetry Breaking in Chiral Type IIB Orientifolds with D3/D7-Branes
• Vacuum Energy Cancellation in a Non-supersymmetric String
• String Duality and Non-supersymmetric Strings
• Anomalies & Tadpoles
• Orientifolds of Non-Supersymmetric Asymmetric Orbifolds
• String Islands
• D-branes in Nongeometric Backgrounds
• Discrete torsion in non-geometric orbifolds and their open-string descendants
• Enhanced Symmetries and the Ground State of String Theory
• Remarks on the Racetrack Scheme
• Entropy and initial conditions in cosmology
• U-duality Twists and Possible Phase Transitions in 2+1D Supergravity
• (Unoriented) T-folds with few T's
• Remarks on M Theoretic Cosmology
• Freezing of Moduli with Fluxes in Three Dimensions
• From Twists and Shifts to L-R asymmetric D-branes
• Nonperturbative Formulations of Superstring Theory
• Renormalization group flows in gauge-gravity duality