Constraint on Spinor-Vector Dualities in Six Dimensions

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that spinor-vector dualities in six-dimensional string models are constrained by anomaly cancellation conditions, linking dualities to fundamental consistency requirements in effective field theories.

Contribution

It establishes a fundamental anomaly-based constraint on spinor-vector dualities in six-dimensional string theories, connecting dualities with low-energy consistency conditions.

Findings

Spinor-vector dualities are constrained by SO(2N) anomaly cancellation.

Analysis of six-dimensional models shows dualities depend on GSO phases.

Constraints on spinor and vector spectra are confirmed in K3 compactifications.

Abstract

Imprints of spinor-vector dualities have been uncovered in various string constructions. They are typically induced by changing certain free general GSO phases in the underlying string partition functions. This paper shows that spinor-vector dualities in six dimensions are constrained by a fundamental effective field theory consistency condition, namely that any six dimensional low energy theory must be free of irreducible SO(2N) anomalies. Aspects of spinor-vector dualities are analysed in four six-dimensional free fermionic models which are distinguished by two generalised GSO phases. In addition, the constraint on the number of spinors and vectors is confirmed on generic spectra which may occur in K3 line bundle compactifications of the heterotic E8xE8 string.