New M-theory Backgrounds with Frozen Moduli

TL;DR

This paper constructs new M-theory backgrounds involving orbifolds by U-duality elements, resulting in fixed moduli at the Planck scale, and provides evidence for their consistency, including non-supersymmetric cases.

Contribution

It introduces novel M-theory backgrounds with frozen moduli using orbifolds by U-duality elements, extending perturbative string techniques to non-perturbative regimes.

Findings

Examples of orbifold backgrounds with fixed moduli at the Planck scale.

Evidence supporting the consistency of these non-perturbative M-theory backgrounds.

Indications of possible non-supersymmetric M-theory compactifications.

Abstract

We propose examples, which involve orbifolds by elements of the U-duality group, with M-theory moduli fixed at the eleven-dimensional Planck scale. We begin by reviewing asymmetric orbifold constructions in perturbative string theory, which fix radial moduli at the string scale. Then we consider non-perturbative aspects of those backgrounds (brane probes and the orbifold action from the eleven-dimensional point of view). This leads us to consider mutually non-perturbative group actions. Using a combination of dualities, matrix theory, and ideas for the generalization of the perturbative orbifold prescription, we present evidence that the examples we construct are consistent M-theory backgrounds. In particular we argue that there should be consistent non-supersymmetric compactifications of M-theory.