F-Theory and the universal string theory

TL;DR

This paper introduces a candidate manifold for F-theory vacua within the universal string theory framework, explaining the compactness of extra dimensions and unifying known superstring theories.

Contribution

It proposes the manifold of F-theory vacua as a unifying structure, extending the universal string theory approach to include F-theory in conformal field theory terms.

Findings

Identifies the manifold of F-theory vacua as a natural candidate.

Provides a conformal field theoretical description of F-theory.

Explains the compactness of extra two dimensions in F-theory.

Abstract

We apply the techniques of the ``universal string theory'' to the ``manifold'' paradigm for superstring/M-theory and come up with a candidate manifold: the manifold of F-theory vacua, defined in conformal field theoretical terms. It contains the five known superstring theories as particular vacua; although the natural vacua are (10+2)-dimensional. As a byproduct, a natural explanation emerges for the compactness of the extra two coordinates in F-theory.