De Sitter from T-branes

TL;DR

This paper explores how T-brane configurations in type IIB string theory can generate positive scalar potentials, providing a higher-dimensional perspective on de Sitter uplifting mechanisms in string compactifications.

Contribution

It introduces a new higher-dimensional understanding of de Sitter uplifting via T-branes and gauge fluxes in type IIB compactifications.

Findings

T-branes induce positive contributions to the moduli potential.

The mechanism offers a higher-dimensional origin for 4D de Sitter uplifting.

Gauge fluxes on D7-branes are key to stabilizing the vacuum.

Abstract

Hidden sector D7-branes with non-zero gauge flux are a generic feature of type IIB compactifications. A non-vanishing Fayet-Iliopoulos term induced by non-zero gauge flux leads to a T-brane configuration. Expanding the D7-brane action around this T-brane background in the presence of three-form supersymmetry breaking fluxes, we obtain a positive definite contribution to the moduli scalar potential which can be used as an uplifting source for de Sitter vacua. In this way we provide a higher-dimensional understanding of known 4D mechanisms of de Sitter uplifting based on hidden sector F-terms which are non-zero because of D-term stabilisation.