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arXiv · hep-th/9604030

Non-Perturbative Superpotentials In String Theory

Edward Witten
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Abstract

The non-perturbative superpotential can be effectively calculated in $M$-theory compactification to three dimensions on a Calabi-Yau four-fold $X$. For certain $X$, the superpotential is identically zero, while for other $X$, a non-perturbative superpotential is generated. Using $F$-theory, these results carry over to certain Type IIB and heterotic string compactifications to four dimensions with $N=1$ supersymmetry. In the heterotic string case, the non-perturbative superpotential can be interpreted as coming from space-time and world-sheet instantons; in many simple cases contributions come only from finitely many values of the instanton numbers.

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Edward Witten. 1996-05-07. Non-Perturbative Superpotentials In String Theory. https://doi.org/10.1016/0550-3213(96)00283-0

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