Intersecting Brane Vacua and Non-perturbative Transitions

TL;DR

This paper explores non-perturbative transitions in string theory where branes convert into magnetic flux, using T-duality and Higgs mechanisms, with explicit examples in orientifold models.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of brane transmutation into magnetic flux and its description via Higgs mechanisms in specific orientifold compactifications.

Findings

Demonstrates brane to flux transmutation in explicit models

Connects the process to Higgs mechanisms in low-energy theory

Provides examples in supersymmetric and BSB orientifolds

Abstract

We discuss the process of transmutation of branes into Abelian magnetic flux on the worldvolume of $D9$ branes. This phenomenon is T-dual to the recombination of branes in the intersecting-brane description. In the low energy limit this can be described by a Higgs mechanism involving bifundamental scalars. The Abelian magnetic background arises as a consequence of the compactness of the internal space. Explicit (six-dimensional) examples based on the supersymmetric and the Brane Supersymmetry Breaking (BSB) \mathbb{T}^4/\mathbb{Z}_2 orientifold are analyzed.