Neutron-Antineutron transitions from exotic instantons: how fast they might be and further implications

TL;DR

This paper explores how exotic instantons in open string theory could induce neutron-antineutron transitions, providing insights into B-violation without destabilizing protons or causing flavor-changing neutral currents.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism where exotic instantons generate effective six-quark operators leading to neutron-antineutron oscillations within string theory frameworks.

Findings

Exotic instantons can generate neutron-antineutron transitions.

Proton stability is maintained despite B-violation.

Flavor changing neutral currents remain suppressed.

Abstract

We discuss implications of open string theory in B-violating low energy physics. In particular, exotic instantons can dynamically generate effective six quarks' operator, leading to a neutron-antineutron transition. Proton is not destabilized and flavor changing neutral currents are under control.