Conifold dynamics and axion monodromies

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the stability of the conifold modulus in string theory constrains large axion field ranges, posing challenges for certain inflationary models involving warped throats.

Contribution

It reveals that conifold stability limits super-Planckian axion monodromy ranges, impacting string theory inflation scenarios with warped geometries.

Findings

Conifold stability prevents large axion field excursions.

Implications for string inflation models with flux unwinding.

Constraints on brane-flux decay processes in warped throats.

Abstract

It has recently been appreciated that the conifold modulus plays an important role in string-phenomenological set-ups involving warped throats, both by imposing constraints on model building and for obtaining a 10-dimensional picture of SUSY-breaking. In this note, we point out that the stability of the conifold modulus furthermore prevents large super- Planckian axion monodromy field ranges caused by brane-flux decay processes down warped throats. Our findings imply a significant challenge for concrete string theory embeddings of the inflationary flux-unwinding scenario.