Non-Perturbative Vacua and Particle Physics in M-Theory

TL;DR

This paper develops a framework within heterotic M-theory to construct realistic particle physics models with three families and standard model gauge groups, utilizing non-perturbative five-branes and holomorphic gauge bundles.

Contribution

It introduces a method to build realistic particle physics theories in heterotic M-theory using non-perturbative five-branes and holomorphic bundles, including explicit symmetry breaking mechanisms.

Findings

Constructed three-family models with realistic gauge groups.

Computed the moduli space of five-branes in these models.

Demonstrated spontaneous gauge symmetry breaking to the standard model.

Abstract

In this letter, we introduce a general theory for the construction of particle physics theories, with three families and realistic gauge groups, within the context of heterotic M-theory. This is achieved using semi-stable holomorphic gauge bundles over elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau three-folds. Construction of realistic theories is facilitated by the appearance of non-perturbative five-branes in the vacuum. The complete moduli space of these five-branes is computed and their worldvolume gauge theory discussed. It is shown, within the context of holomorphic gauge bundles, how grand unified gauge groups can be spontaneously broken to the gauge group of the standard model. These ideas are illustrated in an explicit SU(5) three-family example.