Moduli Stabilization with the String Higgs Effect

TL;DR

This paper discusses a string theory mechanism where the Higgs effect stabilizes moduli, like the size of extra dimensions, at points of enhanced symmetry, with implications for cosmology and brane inflation.

Contribution

It introduces a natural moduli stabilization mechanism using the string Higgs effect in time-dependent backgrounds, applicable to cosmological models.

Findings

Radion remains stabilized at the self dual radius during decompactification.

The mechanism can be integrated into string cosmology and brane inflation models.

Addresses the inclusion of relevant string states in low energy actions.

Abstract

We review the notion of the Higgs effect in the context of string theory. We find that by including this effect in time dependent backgrounds, one is led to a natural mechanism for stabilizing moduli at points of enhanced gauge symmetry. We consider this mechanism for the case of the radion (size of the extra dimensions) and find that as decompactification of the large spatial dimensions takes place the radion will remain stabilized at the self dual radius. We discuss how this mechanism can be incorporated into models of string cosmology and brane inflation to resolve some outstanding problems. We also address some issues regarding which string states should be included when constructing low energy actions in string cosmology.