A Remark on Smoothing Out Higher Codimension Branes

TL;DR

This paper examines the challenges of modeling gravity on higher codimension branes with non-zero tension, highlighting singularities and proposing higher curvature terms as a potential solution.

Contribution

It identifies the singularity issues in higher codimension branes and suggests that higher curvature corrections may be needed to resolve them.

Findings

Singularities are problematic for codimension-3 and higher branes.

Adding higher curvature terms could smooth out these singularities.

The study emphasizes the need for modified gravity actions in such scenarios.

Abstract

We discuss some issues arising in studying (linearized) gravity on non-BPS higher codimension branes in an infinite-volume bulk. In particular, such backgrounds are badly singular for codimension-3 and higher delta-function-like branes with non-zero tension. As we discuss in this note, non-trivial issues arise in smoothing out such singularities. Thus, adding higher curvature terms might be necessary in this context.