Fluxes in F-theory Compactifications on Genus-One Fibrations

We initiate the construction of gauge fluxes in F-theory compactifications on genus-one fibrations which only have a multi-section as opposed to a section. F-theory on such spaces gives rise to discrete gauge symmetries in the effective action. We generalize the transversality conditions on gauge fluxes known for elliptic fibrations by taking into account the properties of the available multi-section. We test these general conditions by constructing all vertical gauge fluxes in a bisection model with gauge group SU(5) x Z2. The non-abelian anomalies are shown to vanish. These flux solutions are dynamically related to fluxes on a fibration with gauge group SU(5) x U(1) by a conifold transition. Considerations of flux quantization reveal an arithmetic constraint on certain intersection numbers on the base which must necessarily be satisfied in a smooth geometry. Combined with the proposed transversality conditions on the fluxes these conditions are shown to imply cancellation of the discrete Z2 gauge anomalies as required by general consistency considerations.Comment: 30 pages; v2: typos correcte

Discrete Gauge Symmetries by Higgsing in four-dimensional F-Theory Compactifications

We study F-Theory compactifications to four dimensions that exhibit discrete gauge symmetries. Geometrically these arise by deforming elliptic fibrations with two sections to a genus-one fibration with a bi-section. From a four-dimensional field-theory perspective they are remnant symmetries from a Higgsed U(1) gauge symmetry. We implement such symmetries in the presence of an additional SU(5) symmetry and associated matter fields, giving a geometric prescription for calculating the induced discrete charge for the matter curves and showing the absence of Yukawa couplings that are forbidden by this charge. We present a detailed map between the field theory and the geometry, including an identification of the Higgs field and the massless states before and after the Higgsing. Finally we show that the Higgsing of the U(1) induces a G-flux which precisely accounts for the change in the Calabi-Yau Euler number so as to leave the D3 tadpole invariant.Comment: 30 pages; v2: substantially improved presentation, refs added; v3: refs. added, appendix A on remnant discrete subgroups included; v4: refs. adde

On Discrete Symmetries and Torsion Homology in F-Theory

We study the relation between discrete gauge symmetries in F-theory compactifications and torsion homology on the associated Calabi-Yau manifold. Focusing on the simplest example of a $\mathbb Z_2$ symmetry, we show that there are two physically distinct ways that such a discrete gauge symmetry can arise. First, compactifications of M-Theory on Calabi-Yau threefolds which support a genus-one fibration with a bi-section are known to be dual to six-dimensional F-theory vacua with a $\mathbb Z_2$ gauge symmetry. We show that the resulting five-dimensional theories do not have a $\mathbb Z_2$ symmetry but that the latter emerges only in the F-theory decompactification limit. Accordingly the genus-one fibred Calabi-Yau manifolds do not exhibit discrete torsion. Associated to the bi-section fibration is a Jacobian fibration which does support a section. Compactifying on these related but distinct varieties does lead to a $\mathbb Z_2$ symmetry in five dimensions and, accordingly, we find explicitly an associated discrete torsion. We identify the expected particle and membrane system of the discrete symmetry in terms of wrapped M2 and M5 branes and present a field-theory description of the physics for both cases in terms of circle reductions of six-dimensional theories. Our results and methods generalise straightforwardly to larger discrete symmetries and to four-dimensional compactifications.Comment: 12 pages in 2-column style, 4 figures; v2: references adde

Mordell-Weil Torsion and the Global Structure of Gauge Groups in F-theory

We study the global structure of the gauge group $G$ of F-theory compactified on an elliptic fibration $Y$. The global properties of $G$ are encoded in the torsion subgroup of the Mordell-Weil group of rational sections of $Y$. Generalising the Shioda map to torsional sections we construct a specific integer divisor class on $Y$ as a fractional linear combination of the resolution divisors associated with the Cartan subalgebra of $G$. This divisor class can be interpreted as an element of the refined coweight lattice of the gauge group. As a result, the spectrum of admissible matter representations is strongly constrained and the gauge group is non-simply connected. We exemplify our results by a detailed analysis of the general elliptic fibration with Mordell-Weil group $\mathbb Z_2$ and $\mathbb Z_3$ as well as a further specialization to $\mathbb Z \oplus \mathbb Z_2$. Our analysis exploits the representation of these fibrations as hypersurfaces in toric geometry.Comment: 42 pages, 10 figures; v2: references adde

Discrete Structures in F-theory Compactifications

In this thesis we study global properties of F-theory compactifications on elliptically and genus-one fibered Calabi-Yau varieties. This is motivated by phenomenological considerations as well as by the need for a deeper understanding of the set of consistent F-theory vacua. The global geometric features arise from discrete and arithmetic structures in the torus fiber and can be studied in detail for fibrations over generic bases. In the case of elliptic fibrations we study the role of the torsion subgroup of the Mordell-Weil group of sections in four dimensional compactifications. We show how the existence of a torsional section restricts the admissible matter representations in the theory. This is shown to be equivalent to inducing a non-trivial fundamental group of the gauge group. Compactifying F-theory on genus-one fibrations with multisections gives rise to discrete selection rules. In field theory the discrete symmetry is a broken U(1) symmetry. In the geometry the higgsing corresponds to a conifold transition. We explain in detail the origin of the discrete symmetry from two different M-theory phases and put the result into the context of torsion homology. Finally we systematically construct consistent gauge uxes on genus-one fibrations and show that these induce an anomaly free chiral spectrum

Effect of electric current annealing in phase transition of Mn-Al alloy

The electronic structure of any material can be modified when it is exposed to high density electric currents or high strength electric fields, caused by the increased electronic/ionic mobility. Electromigration effects can have desirable uses (1), but also be a problem, for example in IC circuit design (2). However, the increased electronic/ionic mobility can be used to tailor the material properties by modifying e.g. phase formation, phase stability, density of defects etc. Our goal is to understand, by theoretical (DFT calculation) and experimental approaches, and utilize these effects in the processing of hard magnetic materials and to quantify the influence of the electric current on microstructure and magnetic properties. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract