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Kaluza-Klein states versus winding states: can both be above the string scale?
1Department of Physics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721.
Physical Review Letters
|October 26, 2002
Summary
Contrary to popular belief, Kaluza-Klein and winding states can both be heavier than the string scale. This finding suggests it may be possible to surpass the string scale without detecting these compactification-related states.
Area of Science:
- High-energy physics
- String theory
- Theoretical physics
Background:
- Closed strings in extra dimensions produce Kaluza-Klein and winding states.
- The masses of these states are believed to be at or below the string scale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the prevailing assumption about Kaluza-Klein and winding state masses.
- To investigate the possibility of all such states being heavier than the string scale.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of toroidal compactifications in string theory.
- Theoretical examination of Kaluza-Klein and winding state masses.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that Kaluza-Klein and winding states can both be heavier than the string scale.
- Identified specific toroidal compactifications supporting this scenario.
Conclusions:
- The assumption that at least one set of states must be light is incorrect.
- It is possible to transition the string scale without observing Kaluza-Klein or winding states in low-scale string theories.