Orientifold Limit of F-theory Vacua

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how F-theory compactifications on Calabi-Yau (n+1)-folds can be understood as orientifold limits of type IIB string theory on Calabi-Yau n-folds, clarifying their relationship.

Contribution

It provides a detailed connection between F-theory on higher-dimensional Calabi-Yau spaces and orientifold limits in type IIB string theory, enhancing understanding of their equivalence.

Findings

F-theory on Calabi-Yau (n+1)-folds can be viewed as orientifolds of type IIB on Calabi-Yau n-folds

The limit process clarifies the geometric relationship between F-theory and type IIB orientifolds

This approach helps in constructing realistic string vacua with controlled moduli

Abstract

We show how F-theory on a Calabi-Yau (n+1)-fold, in appropriate limit, can be identified as an orientifold of type IIB string theory compactified on a Calabi-Yau n-fold.