Higher co-dimension de Sitter branes

TL;DR

This paper extends no-go theorems to higher co-dimension de Sitter branes, showing stability issues and the need for negative tension sources in certain cases, thus constraining higher-dimensional string theory models.

Contribution

It generalizes existing no-go theorems to higher co-dimension branes, establishing new limitations on de Sitter solutions in string theory frameworks.

Findings

Co-dimension-two branes cannot support stable de Sitter solutions.

Higher co-dimension branes require negative tension sources for de Sitter solutions.

Results impose constraints on higher-dimensional braneworld models.

Abstract

We extend the arguments of Maldacena and N\'u\~nez to include higher co-dimension brane setups and derive a new no-go theorem. Specifically, we show that under reasonable assumptions on the energy-momentum conservation and the bulk curvature, co-dimension-two branes fail to support stable de Sitter solutions. For co-dimensions higher than two embedded in a compact internal space, we show that negative tension sources would be required. This result places strong constraints on the viability of higher-dimensional braneworld models as a means to obtain de Sitter space within string theory.