Orbifold Grand Unification: A Solution to the Doublet-Triplet Problem

To solve the doublet-triplet splitting problem in SU(5) grand unified theories, we propose a four dimensional orbifold grand unified theory by acting Z2 on the SU(5) gauge group. Without an adjoint Higgs, the orbifold procedure breaks the SU(5) gauge symmetry down to the standard model gauge group, and removes the triplet component of the fundamental SU(5) Higgs. In the supersymmetric framework, we show that the orbifold procedure removes two triplet superfields of the Higgs multiplets and leaves us with the minimal supersymmetric standard model, which also solves the hierarchy problem and realizes gauge coupling unification. We also discuss possible UV completions of the orbifold theories.

Curvature Couplings in $mathcal{N}=(2,2)$ Nonlinear Sigma Models on $S^2$

Following recent work on GLSM localization, we work out curvature couplings for rigidly supersymmetric nonlinear sigma models with superpotential for general target spaces, describing both ordinary and twisted chiral superfields on round two-sphere worldsheets. We briefly discuss why, unlike four-dimensional theories, there are no constraints on Kahler forms in these theories. We also briefly discuss general issues in topological twists of such theories.

Angular Momentum of a Brane-world Model

In this paper we discuss the properties of the general covariant angular momentum of a five-dimensional brane-world model. Through calculating the total angular momentum of this model, we are able to analyze the properties of the total angular momentum in the inflationary RS model. We show that the space-like components of the total angular momentum of are all zero while the others are non-zero, which agrees with the results from ordinary RS model.

Energy-momentum of a Cosmological Brane Model and the Gauge Hierarchy

We analyze the general covariant energy-momentum tensor of the gravitational system in genreal five-dimensional cosmological brane-world models. Then through calculating this energy-momentum for the cosmological generalization of the Randall-Sundrum model, which includes the original RS model as the static limit, we are able to show that the weakness of the gravitation on the visible brane is a general feature of this model. This is the origin of the gauge hierarchy from a gravitational point of view. Our results are also consistent with the fact that a gravitational system has vanishing total energy.

Small Cosmological Constants from a Modified Randall-Sundrum Model

We study a mechanism, inspired from the mechanism for generating the gauge hierarchy in Randall-Sundrum model, to investigate the cosmological constant problem. First we analyze the bulk cosmological constant and brane vacuum energies in RS model. We show that the five-dimensional bulk cosmological constant and the vacuum energies of the two branes all obtain their natural values. Finally we argue how we can generate a small four-dimensional effective cosmological constant on the branes through modifying the original RS model.