A guide to frames, $2\pi$'s, scales and corrections in string compactifications

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive reference for conventions in string compactifications, focusing on type IIB, to aid both beginners and experts in accurately handling scales, frames, and corrections.

Contribution

It consolidates various conventions and guides on string compactifications into a single, accessible resource using type IIB as an example.

Findings

Clarifies the use of $2\pi$'s and frame conventions in string theory

Highlights the importance of consistent conventions in moduli stabilization

Serves as a practical reference for accurate correction calculations

Abstract

This note is intended to serve as a reference for conventions used in the literature on string compactifications, and how to move between them, collected in a single and easy-to-find place, using type IIB as an illustrative example. We hope it may be useful to beginners in the field and busy experts. E.g. string constructions proposed to address the moduli stabilisation problem are generically in regions of parameter space at the boundaries of control, so that consistent use of $2\pi$'s and frame conventions can be pivotal when computing their potentially dangerous corrections.