Compactification for a three-brane universe

Abstract

A fully realistic and systematic effective field theory model of a 3-brane\nuniverse is constructed. It consists of a six-dimensional gravitating\nspacetime, containing several, approximately parallel (3+1)-dimensional\ndefects, or ``3-branes''. The Standard Model particles are confined to live on\none of the 3-branes while different four-dimensional field theories may inhabit\nthe others, in literally a case of ``parallel universes''. The effective field\ntheory is valid up to the six-dimensional Planck scale, where it must be\nreplaced by a more fundamental theory of gravity and 3-brane structure. Each\n3-brane induces a conical geometry in the two dimensions transverse to it.\nCollectively, the curvature induced by the 3-branes can compactify the extra\ndimensions into a space of spherical topology. It is possible to take the\nsix-dimensional Planck scale to be not much larger than the weak scale, and the\ncompact space not much smaller than a millimeter, thereby realizing the recent\nproposal by Arkani-Hamed, Dimopoulos and Dvali for eliminating the Gauge\nHierearchy Problem. In this case, an extra force is required to stabilize the\ncompact space against collapse. This is provided by a six-dimensional (compact)\nU(1) gauge field with a magnetic flux quantum trapped in the compact space. The\nnature of the Cosmological Constant Problem in this scenario is discussed.\n

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Affiliated Institutions

• Boston University US

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