Three fermionic generations on a topological defect in extra dimensions

We suggest a mechanism explaining the origin of three generations of the Standard Model fermions from one generation in a higher-dimensional theory. Four-dimensional fermions appear as zero modes trapped in the core of a topological defect with topological number three. We discuss hierarchical pattern of masses and mixings which arises in these models.Comment: 19 pages, no figures; v.2: references added, main text unchange

Towards common origin of supersymmetry breaking, compositeness, and gauge mediation

We present a toy model which has the following properties: i) it is strongly coupled at a certain scale and breaks supersymmetry at this scale; ii) matter superfields of (one generation of) the Standard Model are effective low energy degrees of freedom of this strongly coupled theory; iii) direct gauge mediation of supersymmetry breaking occurs due to messenger superfields that are also effective low energy degrees of freedom. We discuss the way to generalize this approach to realistic models with three generations. These models might be favorable from the point of view of string theory compactifications.Comment: 7 pages, LaTeX, no figures; grant numbers correcte