Family number, Wilson line phases and hidden supersymmetry

TL;DR

This paper explores how the number of fermion families in models with extra dimensions is unaffected by Wilson line phases due to a hidden supersymmetry, providing insights into flavor structure in orbifold unification.

Contribution

It reveals that flavor numbers are independent of Wilson line phases in orbifold models, attributed to a hidden quantum-mechanical supersymmetry.

Findings

Flavor numbers are unaffected by Wilson line phases.

Hidden supersymmetry explains the independence.

Results support orbifold family unification models.

Abstract

We study the relationship between the family number of chiral fermions and the Wilson line phases, based on the orbifold family unification. We find that flavor numbers are independent of the Wilson line phases relating extra-dimensional components of gauge bosons, as far as the standard model gauge symmetry is respected. This feature originates from a hidden quantum-mechanical supersymmetry.