Chiral field theories from conifolds

TL;DR

This paper explores the geometric engineering of a specific N=1 chiral gauge theory using Calabi-Yau conifolds and orientifolds, establishing dualities and relations to Hanany-Witten setups.

Contribution

It provides a detailed IIB string theory realization of a chiral gauge theory with various matter representations and discusses dualities and extensions to SO/Sp gauge groups.

Findings

Realization of the gauge theory via Calabi-Yau A_2 fibration with orientifolds.

Mapping of orientifold types under T-duality between IIB and Hanany-Witten setups.

Extension to theories with SO/Sp gauge groups and symmetric/antisymmetric matter.

Abstract

We discuss the geometric engineering and large n transition for an N=1 U(n) chiral gauge theory with one adjoint, one conjugate symmetric, one antisymmetric and eight fundamental chiral multiplets. Our IIB realization involves an orientifold of a non-compact Calabi-Yau A_2 fibration, together with D5-branes wrapping the exceptional curves of its resolution as well as the orientifold fixed locus. We give a detailed discussion of this background and of its relation to the Hanany-Witten realization of the same theory. In particular, we argue that the T-duality relating the two constructions maps the Z_2 orientifold of the Hanany-Witten realization into a Z_4 orientifold in type IIB. We also discuss the related engineering of theories with SO/Sp gauge groups and symmetric or antisymmetric matter.