The discussion revolves around the possibility of deriving a Higgs-like potential from string phenomenology, specifically examining models that may suggest such a potential in the context of string theory. The conversation touches on theoretical aspects, including supersymmetry and gauge theories, as well as the nature of mass and forces in string theory.
Participants express differing views on the mechanisms by which a Higgs-like potential may arise in string theory, with some suggesting connections to supersymmetry and others focusing on the inherent properties of strings. No consensus is reached regarding the existence of specific models or the nature of the potential.
Participants reference various theoretical frameworks, including supersymmetry and gauge theories, but the discussion remains open-ended with unresolved assumptions and conditions regarding the derivation of the Higgs-like potential.
IIRC, mass in string theory is somehow obtained by the frequency and/or amplitude of the vibrations of the string. And potential is manifested as a force over distance. In string theory forces are exhibited by particles which are strings. So you are asking if there are strings that give rise to mass which are a property of strings. I don't think there is a special particle (the Higgs bosson) that gives every other strings its vibration. Such vibrations are just inherent to all strings. But there may be ways in which various string interact that do give them different vibrational modes that gives them mass (or not).yyoon@fas.harvard.edu said:
