On tachyons, gauged linear sigma models, and flip transitions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the condensation of multiple localized closed string tachyons in noncompact orbifold singularities using gauged linear sigma models, revealing connections between flip transitions, tachyon relevance, and singularity structures.

Contribution

It introduces a framework linking flip transitions and tachyon physics in gauged linear sigma models, providing insights into stability and the tachyon potential.

Findings

Connections between flip transitions and tachyon relevance

Insights into the stability of phases in gauged linear sigma models

Qualitative understanding of the closed string tachyon potential

Abstract

We study systems of multiple localized closed string tachyons and the phenomena associated with their condensation, in C3/ZN nonsupersymmetric noncompact orbifold singularities using gauged linear sigma model constructions, following hep-th/0406039. Our study reveals close connections between the combinatorics of nonsupersymmetric flip transitions (between topologically distinct resolutions of the original singularity), the physics of tachyons of different degrees of relevance and the singularity structure of the corresponding residual endpoint geometries. This in turn can be used to study the stability of the phases of gauged linear sigma models and gain qualitative insight into the closed string tachyon potential.