Non-Supersymmetric Theories with Light Scalar Fields and Large Hierarchies

TL;DR

This paper explores non-supersymmetric theories at large N that can naturally produce light scalar particles and large energy hierarchies through a balance of classical and quantum effects, with potential implications for lattice simulations and understanding supersymmetry.

Contribution

It demonstrates that large N nonsupersymmetric theories can have light scalars and hierarchies without fine-tuning, and connects these phenomena to dual string descriptions and potential real-world applications.

Findings

Hierarchies arise from classical-quantum competition in dual string models.

Flow may end with tachyonic modes leading to stable hierarchies.

Lattice simulations of large 't Hooft coupling theories may be more feasible than expected.

Abstract

Various nonsupersymmetric theories at large but finite $N$ are argued to permit light scalars and large hierarchies without fine-tuning. In a dual string description, the hierarchy results from competition between classical and quantum effects. In some cases the flow may end when a string mode becomes tachyonic and condenses, thereby realizing a quantum-mechanically stable Randall-Sundrum hierarchy scenario. Among possible applications, it is suggested that lattice simulation of \nfour Yang-Mills at large 't Hooft coupling may be easier than expected, and that supersymmetry may naturally be an approximate symmetry of our world. (This letter is a writeup of work presented at Aspen in summer 2002.)