2,451 research outputs found
Dynamical Topology Change in M Theory
We study topology change in M theory compactifications on Calabi-Yau
three-folds in the presence of G flux (the four form field strength). In
particular, we discuss vacuum solutions in strongly coupled heterotic string
theory in which the topology change is inevitable within a single spacetime
background. For rather generic choices of initial conditions, the field
equations drive the Kahler moduli outside the classical moduli space of a
Calabi-Yau manifold. Consistency of the solution suggests that degenerate flop
curves - just as wrapped M theory fivebranes - carry magnetic charges under the
four form field strength.Comment: 21 pages, LaTeX, 2 figures (eps
D-Brane Topology Changing Transitions
We study D-branes on three-dimensional orbifold backgrounds that admit
topologically distinct resolutions differing by flop transitions. We show that
these distinct phases are part of the vacuum moduli space of the super
Yang-Mills gauge theory describing the D-brane dynamics. In this way we
establish that D-branes --- like fundamental strings --- allow for physically
smooth topology changing transitions.Comment: 16 pages, 3 figures, Harvma
Inflation as a Probe of Short Distance Physics
We show that a string-inspired Planck scale modification of general
relativity can have observable cosmological effects. Specifically, we present a
complete analysis of the inflationary perturbation spectrum produced by a
phenomenological Lagrangian that has a standard form on large scales but
incorporates a string-inspired short distance cutoff, and find a deviation from
the standard result. We use the de Sitter calculation as the basis of a
qualitative analysis of other inflationary backgrounds, arguing that in these
cases the cutoff could have a more pronounced effect, changing the shape of the
spectrum. Moreover, the computational approach developed here can be used to
provide unambiguous calculations of the perturbation spectrum in other
heuristic models that modify trans-Planckian physics and thereby determine
their impact on the inflationary perturbation spectrum. Finally, we argue that
this model may provide an exception to constraints, recently proposed by Tanaka
and Starobinsky, on the ability of Planck-scale physics to modify the
cosmological spectrum.Comment: revtex, 8 pages, eps figures included, references adde
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