Problems with False Vacua in Supersymmetric Theories

TL;DR

This paper argues that in supersymmetric theories with false vacua, supersymmetry breaking dynamics are inherently linked to Planck scale physics, challenging the viability of low-scale metastable mediation.

Contribution

It demonstrates that supersymmetry breaking cannot be separated from Planck scale effects in theories with false vacua, questioning existing models of low-scale supersymmetry breaking.

Findings

Supersymmetry breaking dynamics are coupled to Planck scale physics.

False vacua in supersymmetric theories are inconsistent with stability requirements.

Challenges to low-scale metastable supersymmetry breaking models.

Abstract

It has been suggested recently that in a consistent theory any Minkowski vacuum must be exactly stable. As a result, a large class of theories that in ordinary treatment would appear sufficiently long-lived, in reality make no sense. In particular, this applies to supersymmetric models in which global supersymmetry is broken in a false vacuum. We show that in any such theory the dynamics of supersymmetry breaking cannot be decoupled from the Planck scale physics. This finding poses an obvious challenge for the idea of low-scale metastable (for example gauge) mediation.