Fixing the Dilaton with Asymptotically Expensive Physics?

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel mechanism to stabilize the dilaton in string theory by leveraging features of the superpotential in non-asymptotically free supersymmetric gauge theories, addressing runaway issues.

Contribution

It presents a new approach using the 2PI effective action to construct a nonvanishing superpotential for dilaton stabilization in non-asymptotically free theories.

Findings

Demonstrates a method to prevent dilaton runaway

Utilizes 2PI effective action for superpotential construction

Provides a framework for stabilizing the dilaton in string models

Abstract

We propose a general mechanism for stabilizing the dilaton against runaway to weak coupling. The method is based on features of the effective superpotential which arise for supersymmetric gauge theories which are not asymptotically free. Consideration of the 2PI effective action for bilinear operators of matter and gauge superfields allows one to overcome the obstacles to constructing a nonvanishing superpotential.