New Tools for Fermion Masses from Extra Dimensions
We present models in which the observed fermion masses and mixings are generated by dynamically localizing the three generations of matter in a flat compact extra dimension. We first construct models assuming the hierarchy problem is addressed by the existence of large extra dimensions, i.e. the fundamental scale is not far above a TeV and supersymmetry is not imposed. These models are compactified, chiral, and don't require fine-tuning to generate the top mass. Limits on the compactification scale based on flavor-changing neutral currents are relaxed compared to those on existing models. We then supersymmetrize some of these models. Using N=1 superspace language in extra dimensions, we find space-dependent flat directions which can be used to localize fields. Finally, we discuss methods of breaking supersymmetry and the impact of these models on the superpartner spectrum.