On T-duality transformations for the three-sphere

We study collective T-duality transformations along one, two and three directions of isometry for the three-sphere with H-flux. Our aim is to obtain new non-geometric backgrounds along lines similar to the example of the three-torus. However, the resulting backgrounds turn out to be geometric in nature. To perform the duality transformations, we develop a novel procedure for non-abelian T-duality, which follows a route different compared to the known literature, and which highlights the underlying structure from an alternative point of view.Comment: 42 pages; v2: references added; v3: published versio

Nonassociative Gravity in String Theory?

In an on-shell conformal field theory approach, we find indications of a three-bracket structure for target space coordinates in general closed string backgrounds. This generalizes the appearance of noncommutative gauge theories for open strings in two-form backgrounds to a putative noncommutative/nonassociative gravity theory for closed strings probing curved backgrounds with non-vanishing three-form flux. Several aspects and consequences of the three-bracket structure are discussed and a new type of generalized uncertainty principle is proposed.Comment: v2: references added, discussion in section 5 extended; v3: published version, minor technical mistake corrected (discussion & conclusions unchanged

Towards Universal Axion Inflation and Reheating in String Theory

The recent BICEP2 measurements of B-modes indicate a large tensor-to-scalar ratio in inflationary cosmology, which points towards trans-Planckian evolution of the inflaton. We propose possible string-theory realizations thereof. Schemes for natural and axion monodromy inflation are presented in the framework of the type IIB large volume scenario. The inflaton in both cases is given by the universal axion and its potential is generated at subleading order by F-terms. Our models are shown to feature a natural mechanism for inflaton decay into predominantly Standard Model particles.Comment: 7 pages; v2: references and one paragraph added; v3: minor changes in section

T-duality revisited

We revisit the transformation rules of the metric and Kalb-Ramond field under T-duality, and express the corresponding relations in terms of the metric G and the field strength H=dB. In the course of the derivation, we find an explanation for potential reductions of the isometry group in the dual background. The formalism employed in this paper is illustrated with examples based on tori and spheres, where for the latter we construct a new non-geometric background.Comment: 43 pages, 5 figures; v2: references added, discussion clarified, conclusions in section 2 changed; v3: published versio