New Higgs Transitions between Dual N=2 String Models

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel transition between topologically distinct N=2 Calabi-Yau vacua involving enhanced gauge symmetries and matter, linking geometric singularities to physical phenomena in string theory.

Contribution

It uncovers a new class of Higgs transitions connecting different N=2 string models via singularities with matter, expanding understanding of string dualities and geometric transitions.

Findings

Identifies a new transition involving non-abelian gauge symmetry enhancement.

Connects geometric singularities to matter content in Calabi-Yau transitions.

Relates the transition to Higgsing in heterotic string theory and conifold transitions.

Abstract

We describe a new kind of transition between topologically distinct $N=2$ type II Calabi--Yau vacua through points with enhanced non-abelian gauge symmetries together with fundamental charged matter hypermultiplets. We connect the appearance of matter to the local geometry of the singularity and discuss the relation between the instanton numbers of the Calabi--Yau manifolds taking part in the transition. In a dual heterotic string theory on $K3\times T^2$ the process corresponds to Higgsing a semi-classical gauge group or equivalently to a variation of the gauge bundle. In special cases the situation reduces to simple conifold transitions in the Coulomb phase of the non-abelian gauge symmetries.