Brane resolution in heterotic theory through BF term

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how a BF topological defect can resolve a conifold singularity in heterotic string theory by introducing torsion, leading to a smooth geometry with divergent IR torsion and vanishing UV torsion.

Contribution

It introduces a novel resolution of conifold singularities in heterotic theory using a BF term, extending previous instanton-based methods to include torsion effects.

Findings

Conifold singularity is resolved by a BF topological defect.

The solution results in a torsion that diverges in IR and vanishes in UV.

The approach generalizes instanton-based resolutions to include torsion effects.

Abstract

We have studied the resolution of a naked singularity of a conifold in heterotic theory by a BF topological defect living in a 5-brane. The singularity is removed due to Chern-Simons action that changes the Bianchi identity for the H3 3-form. Following the previous analysis of Cvetic, Lu and Pope where they have studied the resolution through an instanton defect, we have taken a conifold over an Eguchi-Hanson manifold and a harmonic self-dual 2-form related with F2 to solve the differential equation for the warp factor. Since the H3 field is related to torsion in the extra manifold, we can interpret this conifold as one with torsion. Using the so called BF term we have found a solution with the same properties of the instanton such that the conifold is smoothed out and has a torsion that diverges in IR regime and vanish in UV regime.