arXiv subjects

Mboyo Esole

Publications and source records attributed to Mboyo Esole.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The $E_6$ Restricted Hyperplane Arrangement and its $E_7$ Shadow: Weyl Transport on a Minuscule Bruhat Poset

We study the restricted fan cut inside the dual fundamental Weyl chamber by the weights of a $27$-dimensional minuscule representation of $E_6$; the two such representations are dual and give the same arrangement. Only $11$ of the $27$ weights have kernels meeting its interior, and we prove that they determine the entire fan. It has exactly $14$ chambers and $18$ extreme rays, every chamber is a six-dimensional simplicial cone, and we determine all facets, rays, and incidence relations. The chamber count was previously obtained by Diaconescu and Entin; the simplicial structure, extreme rays, and incidence data are new. The geometry of the $27$ lines on a cubic surface then explains and organizes the resulting chamber architecture. We also enumerate all faces, compute both characteristic polynomials---the arrangement is not supersolvable---together with lattice indices and projective chamber volumes, and describe the oriented matroid. Our main result is representation-theoretic. A distinguished $14$-element visible subposet of the minuscule $\mathbf{56}$ of $E_7$, defined entirely inside $E_7$, has Hasse diagram equal to the chamber adjacency graph of the $E_6$ arrangement. Three canonical $7+7$ splittings of it, of types $A_7$, $D_7$, and $E_7$, are the visible traces of Levi-center $\mathfrak{u}(1)$-charge decompositions of the $\mathbf{56}$ and reproduce the three level-$8$ decompositions on the $E_6$ side. More strongly, the simple-root labels on its covers, transported by minimal-length coset representatives, recover chamber by chamber all six facets and, globally, the $11$ active weight hyperplanes and the boundary walls of the dual Weyl chamber. Thus the $E_7$ shadow records not merely the chamber graph but, once matched with the independent $E_6$ classification, the full local wall architecture of $I(E_6,\mathbf{27})$.

math.RT↗

arXiv2025

The topological life of Dynkin indices: universal scaling and matter selection

For simple, simply-connected compact Lie groups, Dynkin embedding indices obey a universal scaling law with a direct topological meaning. Given an inclusion $f:G\hookrightarrow H$, the Dynkin embedding index $j_f$ is characterized equivalently by the induced maps on $\pi_3$ and on the canonical generators of $H^3$, $H^4(B{-})$, and $H^4(\Sigma{-})$. Consequently, $j_f$ controls instanton-number scaling, the quantization levels of Chern--Simons and Wess--Zumino--Witten terms, and the matching of gauge couplings and one-loop RG scales. We connect this picture to representation theory via the $\beta$-construction in topological $K$-theory, relating Dynkin indices to Chern characters through Harris' degree--$3$ formula and Naylor's suspended degree--$4$ refinement. Finally, we apply these results to F-theory to explain the prevalence of index-one matter: we propose a ``genericity heuristic'' where geometry favors regular embeddings (typically $j_f=1$) associated with minimal singularity enhancements, while higher-index embeddings require non-generic tuning.

hep-th↗

arXiv2020

Matter representations from geometry: under the spell of Dynkin

In the traditional Katz-Vafa method, matter representations are determined by decomposing the adjoint representation of a parent simple Lie algebra $\mathfrak{m}$ as the direct sum of irreducible representations of a semisimple subalgebra $\mathfrak{g}$. The Katz-Vafa method becomes ambiguous as soon as $\mathfrak{m}$ contains several subalgebras isomorphic to $\mathfrak{g}$ but giving different decompositions of the adjoint representation. We propose a selection rule that characterizes the matter representations observed in generic constructions in F-theory and M-theory: the matter representations in generic F-theory compactifications correspond to linear equivalence classes of subalgebras $\mathfrak{g}\subset \mathfrak{m}$ with Dynkin index one along each simple components of $\mathfrak{g}$. This simple yet elegant selection rule allows us to apply the Katz-Vafa method to a much large class of models. We illustrate on numerous examples how this proposal streamlines the derivation of matter representations in F-theory and resolves previously ambiguous cases.

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arXiv2020

Flops and Fibral Geometry of E$_7$-models

An E$_7$-Weierstrass model is conjectured to have eight distinct crepant resolutions whose flop diagram is a Dynkin diagram of type E$_8$. In previous work, we explicitly constructed four distinct resolutions, for which the flop diagram formed a D$_4$ sub-diagram. The goal of this paper is to explore those properties of a resolved E$_7$-model which are not invariant under flops. In particular, we examine the fiber degenerations, identify the fibral divisors up to isomorphism, and study violation of flatness appearing over certain codimension-three loci in the base, where a component of the fiber grows in dimension from a rational curve to a rational surface. For each crepant resolution, we compute the triple intersection polynomial and the linear form induced by the second Chern class, as well as the holomorphic and ordinary Euler characteristics, and the signature of each fibral divisor. We identify the isomorphism classes of the rational surfaces that break the flatness of the fibration. Moreover, we explicitly show that the D$_4$ flops correspond to the crepant resolutions of the orbifold given by $\mathbb{C}^3$ quotiented by the Klein four-group.

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arXiv2019

USp(4)-models

We study the geometry of elliptic fibrations satisfying the conditions of Step 2 of Tate's algorithm with a discriminant of valuation 4. We call such geometries USp(4)-models, as the dual graph of their special fiber is the twisted affine Dynkin diagram of type C$_2$. These geometries are used in string theory to model gauge theories with the non-simply-laced Lie group USp(4) on a smooth divisor S of the base. Starting with a singular Weierstrass model of a USp(4)-model, we present a crepant resolution of its singularities. We study the fiber structure of this smooth elliptic fibration and identify the fibral divisors up to isomorphism as schemes over S. These are P1-bundles over S or double covers of P1-bundles over S. We compute basic topological invariants such as the triple intersections of the fibral divisors and the Euler characteristic of the USp(4)-model. In the case of Calabi-Yau threefolds, we also compute the Hodge numbers. We study the compactfications of M/F theory on a USp(4)-model Calabi-Yau threefold.

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arXiv2019

The Geometry of G$_2$, Spin(7), and Spin(8)-models

We study the geometry of elliptic fibrations given by Weierstrass models resulting from Step 6 of Tate's algorithm. Such elliptic fibrations have a discriminant locus containing an irreducible component $S$, over which the generic fiber is of Kodaira type I$^*_0$. In string geometry, these geometries are used to geometrically engineer G$_2$, Spin($7$), and Spin($8$) gauge theories. We give sufficient conditions for the existence of crepant resolutions. When they exist, we give a complete description of all crepant resolutions and show explicitly how the network of flops matches the Coulomb branch of the associated gauge theories. We also compute the triple intersection numbers in each chamber. Physically, they correspond to the Chern-Simons levels of the gauge theory and depend on the choice of a Coulomb branch. We determine the representations associated with these elliptic fibrations by computing intersection numbers with fibral divisors and then interpreting them as weights of a representation. For a five-dimensional gauge theory, we compute the number of hypermultiplets in each representation by matching the triple intersection numbers with the superpotential of the theory. We also discuss anomaly cancellations of a six-dimensional supergravity theory obtained by a compactification of F-theory on an elliptically fibered Calabi--Yau threefold corresponding to a G$_2$, Spin($7$), or Spin($8$) gauge theory.

hep-th↗

arXiv2019

The suspended pinch point and SU($2$)$\times$U($1$) gauge theories

We show that the suspended pinch point can be seen as an elliptically fibered variety with singular fibers of type I$_2$ over codimension-one points of the base and a torsionless Mordell--Weil group of rank one. In the F-theory algorithm, this corresponds to a Lie group $SU(2)\times U(1)$. We also identify the matter content as given by the direct sum of the adjoint representation (with zero U($1$)-charge) and the fundamental representation with U($1$)-charge $\pm 1$. We then study the geometry of an SU($2$)$\times$U($1$)-model given by a compact elliptically fibered variety with the singularities of a suspended pinch point. We describe in detail the crepant resolutions and the network of flops of this geometry. We compute topological invariants including the Euler characteristic and Hodge numbers. We also study the weak coupling limit of this geometry and show that it corresponds to an orientifold theory with an Sp($1$)-stack transverse to the orientifold and two brane-image-branes wrapping the orientifold.

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arXiv2019

The Geometry of the SU(2)$\times$ G$_2$-model

We study elliptic fibrations that geometrically engineer an SU(2)$\times$ G$_2$ gauge theory realized by Weierstrass model for the collision III+$\text{I}_0^{*\text{ns}}$. We construct the four possible crepant resolutions of such a Weierstrass model and show that they form a chain of four minimal models connected by flops. We compute the generating function for the Euler characteristic of these crepant resolutions. In the case of a Calabi-Yau threefold, we consider the compactification of M-theory and F-theory on an SU(2)$\times$ G$_2$-model to a five and six-dimensional supergravity with eight supercharges. By matching each crepant resolution with each Coulomb chamber of the five-dimensional theory, we determine the number of multiplets and compute the prepotential in each Coulomb chamber. In particular, we discuss counting number of hypermultiplets in presence of singularities. We discuss in detail the cancellation of anomalies of the six-dimensional theory.

hep-th↗

arXiv2019

Euler Characteristics of Crepant Resolutions of Weierstrass Models

Based on an identity of Jacobi, we prove a simple formula that computes the pushforward of analytic functions of the exceptional divisor of a blowup of a projective variety along a smooth complete intersection with normal crossing. We apply this pushforward formula to derive generating functions for Euler characteristics of crepant resolutions of singular Weierstrass models given by Tate's algorithm. Since these Euler characteristics depend only on the sequence of blowups and not on the Kodaira fiber itself, nor the associated group, several distinct Tate models have the same Euler characteristic. In the case of elliptic Calabi-Yau threefolds, we also compute the Hodge numbers. For elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau fourfolds, our results also prove a conjecture of Blumenhagen-Grimm-Jurke-Weigand based on F-theory/heterotic string duality.

math.AG↗

arXiv2019

The Geometry of SO(3), SO(5), and SO(6) models

SO(3), SO(5), and SO(6)-models are singular elliptic fibrations with Mordell--Weil torsion Z/2Z and singular fibers whose dual fibers correspond to affine Dynkin diagrams of type A1, C2, and A3 respectively, where we emphasize the distinction between SO(n) and its universal cover Spin(n). While the SO(3)-model has been studied before, the SO(5) and SO(6)-models are studied here for the first time. By computing crepant resolutions of their Weierstrass models, we study their fiber structures and topological invariants. In the special case that the SO(n)-model is an elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau threefold, we compute the Chern-Simons couplings and matter content of a 5D N=1 supergravity theory with gauge group SO(n), which is related to M-theory compactified on this Calabi-Yau threefold. We also verify the 6D lift of the 5D matter content is necessary and sufficient for anomaly cancellation in 6D (1,0) supergravity theories geometrically engineered by F-theory compactified on the same threefold. We find that the associated 5D and 6D supergravity theories with SO(n) gauge symmetry indeed differ from their Spin(n) cousins, with one striking consequence of this distinction being that all such theories must include adjoint matter.

hep-th↗

arXiv2019

48 Crepant Paths to $\text{SU}(2)\!\times\!\text{SU}(3)$

We study crepant resolutions of Weierstrass models of $\text{SU}(2)\!\times\!\text{SU}(3)$-models, whose gauge group describes the non-abelian sector of the Standard Model. The $\text{SU}(2)\!\times\!\text{SU}(3)$-models are elliptic fibrations characterized by the collision of two Kodaira fibers with dual graphs that are affine Dynkin diagrams of type $\widetilde{\text{A}}_1$ and $\widetilde{\text{A}}_2$. Once we eliminate those collisions that do not have crepant resolutions, we are left with six distinct collisions that are related to each other by deformations. Each of these six collisions has eight distinct crepant resolutions whose flop diagram is a hexagon with two legs attached to two adjacent nodes. Hence, we consider 48 distinct resolutions that are connected to each other by deformations and flops. We determine topological invariants---such as Euler characteristics, Hodge numbers, and triple intersections of fibral divisors---for each of the crepant resolutions. We analyze the physics of these fibrations when used as compactifications of M-theory and F-theory on Calabi--Yau threefolds yielding 5d ${\mathcal N}=1$ and 6d ${\mathcal N}=(1,0)$ supergravity theories respectively. We study the 5d prepotential in the Coulomb branch of the theory and check that the six-dimensional theory is anomaly-free and compatible with a 6d uplift from a 5d theory.

hep-th↗

arXiv2019

D$_4$-flops of the E$_7$-model

We study the geography of crepant resolutions of E$_7$-models. An E$_7$-model is a Weierstrass model corresponding to the output of Step 9 of Tate's algorithm characterizing the Kodaira fiber of type III$^*$ over the generic point of a smooth prime divisor. The dual graph of the Kodaira fiber of type III$^*$ is the affine Dynkin diagram of type E$_7$. A Weierstrass model of type E$_7$ is conjectured to have eight distinct crepant resolutions whose flop diagram is a Dynkin diagram of type E$_8$. We construct explicitly four of these eight crepant resolutions forming a sub-diagram of type D$_4$. We explain how the flops between these four crepant resolutions can be understood using the flops between the crepant resolutions of two well-chosen suspended pinch points.

hep-th↗

arXiv2018

Characteristic numbers of elliptic fibrations with non-trivial Mordell-Weil groups

We compute characteristic numbers of elliptically fibered fourfolds with multisections or non-trivial Mordell-Weil groups. We first consider the models of type E$_{9-d}$ with $d=1,2,3,4$ whose generic fibers are normal elliptic curves of degree $d$. We then analyze the characteristic numbers of the $Q_7$-model, which provides a smooth model for elliptic fibrations of rank one and generalizes the E$_5$, E$_6$, and E$_7$-models. Finally, we examine the characteristic numbers of $G$-models with $G=\text{SO}(n)$ with $n=3,4,5,6$ and $G=\text{PSU}(3)$ whose Mordell-Weil groups are respectively $\mathbb{Z}/2\mathbb{Z}$ and $\mathbb{Z}/3 \mathbb{Z}$. In each case, we compute the Chern and Pontryagin numbers, the Euler characteristic, the holomorphic genera, the Todd-genus, the L-genus, the A-genus, and the eight-form curvature invariant from M-theory.

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arXiv2018

Characteristic numbers of crepant resolutions of Weierstrass models

We compute characteristic numbers of crepant resolutions of Weierstrass models corresponding to elliptically fibered fourfolds $Y$ dual in F-theory to a gauge theory with gauge group $G$. In contrast to the case of fivefolds, Chern and Pontryagin numbers of fourfolds are invariant under crepant birational maps. It follows that Chern and Pontryagin numbers are independent on a choice of a crepant resolution. We present the results for the Euler characteristic, the holomorphic genera, the Todd-genus, the $L$-genus, the $\hat{A}$-genus, and the curvature invariant $X_8$ that appears in M-theory. We also show that certain characteristic classes are independent on the choice of the Kodaria fiber characterizing the group $G$. That is the case of $\int_Y c_1^2 c_2$, the arithmetic genus, and the $\hat{A}$-genus. Thus, it is enough to know $\int_Y c_2^2$ and the Euler characteristic $χ(Y)$ to determine all the Chern numbers of an elliptically fibered fourfold. We consider the cases of $G=$ SU($n$) for ($n=2,3,4,5,6,7$), USp($4$), Spin($7$), Spin($8$), Spin($10$), G$_2$, F$_4$, E$_6$, E$_7$, or E$_8$.

hep-th↗

arXiv2018

Singular Geometry and Higgs Bundles in String Theory

This brief survey aims to set the stage and summarize some of the ideas under discussion at the Workshop on Singular Geometry and Higgs Bundles in String Theory, to be held at the American Institute of Mathematics from October 30th to November 3rd, 2017. One of the most interesting aspects of the duality revolution in string theory is the understanding that gauge fields and matter representations can be described by intersection of branes. Since gauge theory is at the heart of our description of physical interactions, it has opened the door to the geometric engineering of many physical systems, and in particular those involving Higgs bundles. This note presents a curated overview of some current advances and open problems in the area, with no intention of being a complete review of the whole subject.

math.DG↗

arXiv2018

Flopping and Slicing: SO(4) and Spin(4)-models

We study the geometric engineering of gauge theories with gauge group Spin(4) and SO(4) using crepant resolutions of Weierstrass models. The corresponding elliptic fibrations realize a collision of singularities corresponding to two fibers with dual graph the affine $A_1$ Dynkin diagram. There are eight different ways to engineer such collisions using decorated Kodaira fibers. The Mordell-Weil group of the elliptic fibration is required to be trivial for Spin(4) and Z/2Z for SO(4). Each of these models have two possible crepant resolutions connected by a flop. We also compute a generating function for the Euler characteristic of such elliptic fibrations over a base of arbitrary dimensions. In the case of a threefold, we also compute the triple intersection numbers of the fibral divisors. In the case of Calabi-Yau threefolds, we also compute their Hodge numbers, and check the cancellations of anomalies in a six-dimensional supergravity theory.

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arXiv2017

Mordell-Weil Torsion, Anomalies, and Phase Transitions

We explore how introducing a non-trivial Mordell-Weil group changes the structure of the Coulomb phases of a five-dimensional gauge theory from an M-theory compactified on an elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau threefolds with a I$_2$+I$_4$ collision of singularities. The resulting gauge theory has a semi-simple Lie algebra $\mathfrak{su}(2)\oplus \mathfrak{sp}(4)$ or $\mathfrak{su}(2)\oplus \mathfrak{su}(4)$. We compute topological invariants relevant for the physics, such as the Euler characteristic, Hodge numbers, and triple intersection numbers. We determine the matter representation geometrically by computing weights via intersection of curves and fibral divisors. We fix the number of charged hypermultiplets transforming in each representations by comparing the triple intersection numbers and the one-loop prepotential. This condition is enough to fix the number of representation when the Mordell-Weil group is $\mathbb{Z}_2$ but not when it is trivial. The vanishing of the fourth power of the curvature forms in the anomaly polynomial is enough to fix the number of representations. We discuss anomaly cancellations of the six-dimensional uplifted. In particular, the gravitational anomaly is also considered as the Hodge numbers are computed explicitly without counting the degrees of freedom of the Weierstrass equation.

hep-th↗

arXiv2017

The Geometry of F$_4$-Models

We study the geometry of elliptic fibrations satisfying the conditions of Step 8 of Tate's algorithm. We call such geometries F$_4$-models, as the dual graph of their special fiber is the twisted affine Dynkin diagram $\widetilde{\text{F}}_4^t$. These geometries are used in string theory to model gauge theories with the exceptional Lie group F$_4$ on a smooth divisor $S$ of the base. Starting with a singular Weierstrass model of an F$_4$-model, we present a crepant resolution of its singularities. We study the fiber structure of this smooth elliptic fibration and identify the fibral divisors up to isomorphism as schemes over $S$. These are $\mathbb{P}^1$-bundles over $S$ or double covers of $\mathbb{P}^1$-bundles over $S$. We compute basic topological invariants such as the double and triple intersection numbers of the fibral divisors and the Euler characteristic of the F$_4$-model. In the case of Calabi-Yau threefolds, we compute the linear form induced by the second Chern class and the Hodge numbers. We also explore the meaning of these geometries for the physics of gauge theories in five and six-dimensional minimal supergravity theories with eight supercharges. We also introduce the notion of "frozen representations" and explore the role of the Stein factorization in the study of fibral divisors of elliptic fibrations.

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