Brane

Abstract: We construct three dimensional Chern-Simons-matter theories with gauge groups U(N) × U(N) and SU(N) × SU(N) which have explicit = 6 superconformal symmetry. Using brane constructions we argue that the U(N) × U(N) theory at level k describes the low energy limit of N M2-branes probing a C4/Zk singularity. At large N the theory is then dual to M-theory on AdS4 × S7/Zk. The theory also has a 't Hooft limit (of large N with a fixed ratio N/k) which is dual to type IIA string theory on AdS4 × CP3. For k = 1 the theory is conjectured to describe N M2-branes in flat space, although our construction realizes explicitly only six of the eight supersymmetries. We give some evidence for this conjecture, which is similar to the evidence for mirror symmetry in d = 3 gauge theories. When the gauge group is SU(2) × SU(2) our theory has extra symmetries and becomes identical to the Bagger-Lambert theory.

Abstract: We recently proposed a solution to the hierarchy problem not relying on low-energy supersymmetry or technicolor. Instead, the problem is nullified by bringing quantum gravity down to the TeV scale. This is accomplished by the presence of $ng~2$ new dimensions of submillimeter size, with the SM fields localized on a 3-brane in the higher dimensional space. In this paper we systematically study the experimental viability of this scenario. Constraints arise both from strong quantum gravitational effects at the TeV scale, and more importantly from the production of massless higher dimensional gravitons with TeV suppressed couplings. Theories with $ng2$ are safe due mainly to the infrared softness of higher dimensional gravity. For $n=2,$ the six dimensional Planck scale must be pushed above $\ensuremath{\sim}30\mathrm{TeV}$ to avoid cooling SN 1987A and distortions of the diffuse photon background. Nevertheless, the particular implementation of our framework within type I string theory can evade all constraints, for any $ng~2,$ with string scale ${m}_{s}\ensuremath{\sim}1\mathrm{TeV}.$ We also explore novel phenomena resulting from the existence of new states propagating in the higher dimensional space. The Peccei-Quinn solution to the strong $\mathrm{CP}$ problem is revived with a weak scale axion in the bulk. Gauge fields in the bulk can mediate repulsive forces $\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{6}--{10}^{8}$ times stronger than gravity at submillimeter distances, as well as help stabilize the proton. Higher-dimensional gravitons produced on our brane and captured on a different ``fat'' brane can provide a natural dark matter candidate.

Abstract: We suggest a mechanism by which four-dimensional Newtonian gravity emerges on a 3-brane in 5D Minkowski space with an infinite size extra dimension. The worldvolume theory gives rise to the correct 4D potential at short distances whereas at large distances the potential is that of a 5D theory. We discuss some phenomenological issues in this framework.