Goldberger-Wise variations: stabilizing brane models with a bulk scalar

TL;DR

This paper extends the Goldberger-Wise stabilization mechanism using a bulk scalar to generic brane models with one extra dimension, analyzing conditions for stability or instability.

Contribution

It generalizes the Goldberger-Wise mechanism to various brane configurations and derives criteria for their stabilization or destabilization.

Findings

Single-brane models are always unstable.

Two-brane models can be stabilized under certain conditions.

Criteria for stabilization depend on bulk and brane potentials.

Abstract

Braneworld scenarios with compact extra-dimensions need the volume of the extra space to be stabilized. Goldberger and Wise have introduced a simple mechanism, based on the presence of a bulk scalar field, able to stabilize the radius of the Randall-Sundrum model. Here, we transpose the same mechanism to generic single-brane and two-brane models, with one extra dimension and arbitrary scalar potentials in the bulk and on the branes. The single-brane construction turns out to be always unstable, independently of the bulk and brane potentials. In the case of two branes, we derive some generic criteria ensuring the stabilization or destabilization of the system.