F-theory on Spin(7) manifolds: realization via M-theory and weak-coupling limit

by Federico Bonetti (Max Planck Institute for Physics)

Tuesday 24 Sept 2013, 10:00 → 11:00 Europe/Zurich

4/3-006 - TH Conference Room (CERN)

The longstanding problem of accessing F-theory on eight-dimensional manifolds of Spin(7) holonomy is addressed from an M-theory perspective. A novel version of the duality from M-theory to F-theory is proposed, in which M-theory on certain Spin(7) manifolds is dual to F-theory on the same geometries times an interval. The relevant Spin(7) spaces are constructed as antiholomorphic quotients of elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau fourfolds. The F-theory effective action is discussed by uplifting the M-theory effective action from three to four dimensions. The Type IIB weak-coupling limit of these setups is analyzed and features orientifold planes as well as exotic orbifold planes localized at the ends of the interval.