Weak Scale Superstrings

TL;DR

This paper explores the possibility of superstring theories operating at a weak scale, significantly lower than the Planck scale, with potential observable effects in collider experiments and cosmology.

Contribution

It introduces explicit examples and discusses the potential for realistic models at intermediate or strong coupling regions of heterotic string theory.

Findings

String scale can be much lower than the Planck scale in certain models

Weak scale superstrings could have detectable experimental signatures

Implications for collider physics and cosmology are significant

Abstract

Recent developments in string duality suggest that the string scale may not be irrevocably tied to the Planck scale. Two explicit but unrealistic examples are described where the ratio of the string scale to the Planck scale is arbitrarily small. Solutions which are more realistic may exist in the intermediate coupling or ``truly strong coupling'' region of the heterotic string. Weak scale superstrings have dramatic experimental consequences for both collider physics and cosmology.