On interpolations from SUSY to non-SUSY strings and their properties

Abstract

The interpolation from supersymmetric to non-supersymmetric heterotic theories is studied, via the Scherk-Schwarz compactification of supersymmetric 6D theories to 4D. A general modular-invariant Scherk-Schwarz deformation is deduced from the properties of the 6D theories at the endpoints, which significantly extends previously known examples. This wider class of non-supersymmetric 4D theories opens up new possibilities for model building. The full one-loop cosmological constant of such theories is studied as a function of compactification radius for a number of cases, and the following interpolating configurations are found: two supersymmetric 6D theories related by a T-duality transformation, with intermediate 4D maximum or minimum at the string scale; a non-supersymmetric 6D theory interpolating to a supersymmetric 6D theory, with the 4D theory possibly having an AdS minimum; a "metastable" non-supersymmetric 6D theory interpolating via a 4D theory to a supersymmetric 6D theory.

21 pages, 5 figures, improved figure, background and appendix