Physical Interpretation Of Certain Strong Coupling Singularities

TL;DR

This paper explores the nature of strong coupling singularities in heterotic string theory on K3, linking them to exotic six-dimensional theories with E8 gauge symmetry and small instanton phenomena.

Contribution

It provides a new interpretation of strong coupling singularities in heterotic string theory as exotic 6D theories with E8 gauge symmetry, expanding understanding of string dualities.

Findings

Strong coupling singularities relate to exotic 6D theories with E8 symmetry.

Connections established between small instanton singularities and these theories.

Enhanced understanding of heterotic string compactifications on K3.

Abstract

We interpret certain strong coupling singularities of the $E_8\times E_8$ heterotic string on K3 in terms of exotic six-dimensional theories in which $E_8$ is a gauge symmetry. These theories are closely related to theories obtained at small instanton singularities, which have $E_8$ as a global symmetry.