Large Field Distances from EFT strings

TL;DR

This paper explores how infinite field distances in quantum gravity EFTs lead to EFT breakdown via light states, proposing the Distant Axionic String Conjecture and Integral Scaling Conjecture to explain this phenomenon.

Contribution

It introduces the Distant Axionic String Conjecture linking infinite-distance limits to tensionless axionic strings and proposes the Integral Scaling Conjecture relating string tension to EFT cut-off.

Findings

Infinite field distances correspond to tensionless axionic strings.

EFT breakdown occurs due to an infinite tower of light states.

Proposed relations between string tension and EFT cut-off.

Abstract

In any consistent effective field theory of quantum gravity limits of infinite field distance are expected to lead to the EFT breakdown due to the appearance of an infinite tower of light states, as predicted by the Distance Conjecture. We review the Distant Axionic String Conjecture, which proposes that any 4d EFT infinite-field-distance limit can be realized as an RG flow of a fundamental axionic string. The RG flow can be understood in terms of the 4d backreaction of such a string, and implies that it becomes tensionless towards the said limit. This property is understood as a shielding mechanism towards realizing an exact axionic symmetry, and it implies the breakdown of the EFT in a way that reproduces the Distance Conjecture. Motivated by string theory data we further propose the Integral Scaling Conjecture, which provides a specific relation between the string tension and the EFT maximal cut-off set by the infinite tower of states.