Discrete Torsion in Perturbative Heterotic String Theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates discrete torsion in perturbative heterotic string theory, extending previous mathematical explanations to cases where the H-field is nonzero, enhancing understanding of orbifold group actions in these contexts.

Contribution

It provides a mathematical analysis of discrete torsion in heterotic strings with nonzero dH, expanding prior work on orbifold group actions on B fields.

Findings

Extended the mathematical framework for discrete torsion to heterotic strings with nonzero dH.

Clarified the role of orbifold group actions on B fields in more general heterotic string backgrounds.

Enhanced understanding of discrete torsion's impact on heterotic string compactifications.

Abstract

In this paper we analyze discrete torsion in perturbative heterotic string theory. In previous work we have given a purely mathematical explanation of discrete torsion as the choice of orbifold group action on a B field, in the case that d H = 0; in this paper, we perform the analogous calculations in heterotic strings where d H is nonzero.