Are Extra Dimensions in String Theory Static or Dynamical?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of the extra dimensions in string theory, specifically whether these dimensions are static and unchanging or if they can be dynamic and subject to change. The conversation explores implications for particle scattering and string properties based on these characteristics, touching on theoretical frameworks and potential experimental ramifications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if string theory posits that the extra 6 dimensions are completely static and unchanging, contrasting this with the dynamical nature of the 4 large dimensions according to General Relativity.
  • Another participant references a paper discussing cosmological moduli dynamics, suggesting that the evolution of scalar fields in string theory could have significant implications for low energy observables and early universe dynamics.
  • A follow-up comment raises concerns about whether changes in moduli would affect string scattering amplitudes, potentially leading to inconsistencies with observations.
  • Some participants argue that the internal dimensions should not be fixed eternally and propose that their size and shape should be determined dynamically by the theory.
  • There is a question about whether, if the dimensions were determined dynamically, they would ever change and what implications such changes would have on the particle spectrum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the extra dimensions are static or dynamic, with no consensus reached on the nature of these dimensions or their implications for string theory.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference complex theoretical frameworks and potential observational consequences, indicating that the discussion involves nuanced assumptions about the behavior of extra dimensions and their interaction with observable physics.

ensabah6
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Is string theory's position that the extra 6 dimensions are completely frozen, non-dynamical, static in their specific yau-calibi configuration, for all eternity, each frozen in exactly the same way at every point in space, never changing, while the 4 large dimensions are dynamical, according to GR?

If each of the extra 6 dimensions were curled up in different ways in different points of time, and were dynamical and could change, what would be the ramifications of particle scattering and string properties? Is there anyway to change the configuration of the yau-calibi configuration that would be experimentally doable?
 
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eh? :biggrin::redface:

http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0702220"
Cosmological Moduli Dynamics
Brian Greene, Simon Judes, Janna Levin, Scott Watson, Amanda Weltman
(Submitted on 28 Feb 2007 (v1), last revised 4 Jun 2007 (this version, v2))
Low energy effective actions arising from string theory typically contain many scalar fields, some with a very complicated potential and others with no potential at all. The evolution of these scalars is of great interest. Their late time values have a direct impact on low energy observables, while their early universe dynamics can potentially source inflation or adversely affect big bang nucleosynthesis. Recently, classical and quantum methods for fixing the values of these scalars have been introduced. The purpose of this work is to explore moduli dynamics in light of these stabilization mechanisms. In particular, we explore a truncated low energy effective action that models the neighborhood of special points (or more generally loci) in moduli space, such as conifold points, where extra massless degrees of freedom arise. We find that the dynamics has a surprisingly rich structure - including the appearance of chaos - and we find a viable mechanism for trapping some of the moduli.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Boris Leykin said:
eh? :biggrin::redface:

http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0702220"
Cosmological Moduli Dynamics
Brian Greene, Simon Judes, Janna Levin, Scott Watson, Amanda Weltman
(Submitted on 28 Feb 2007 (v1), last revised 4 Jun 2007 (this version, v2))
Low energy effective actions arising from string theory typically contain many scalar fields, some with a very complicated potential and others with no potential at all. The evolution of these scalars is of great interest. Their late time values have a direct impact on low energy observables, while their early universe dynamics can potentially source inflation or adversely affect big bang nucleosynthesis. Recently, classical and quantum methods for fixing the values of these scalars have been introduced. The purpose of this work is to explore moduli dynamics in light of these stabilization mechanisms. In particular, we explore a truncated low energy effective action that models the neighborhood of special points (or more generally loci) in moduli space, such as conifold points, where extra massless degrees of freedom arise. We find that the dynamics has a surprisingly rich structure - including the appearance of chaos - and we find a viable mechanism for trapping some of the moduli.

well thanks. wouldn't changes in the moduli change the properities of string scattering amplitudes which would be inconsistent with observation?

on the other hand, isn't it unnatural to fix the 6 dimensions eternally, while 4 dimensions are dynamic?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The internal dimensions should not be externally frozen. Their size and shape should be determined dynamically by the theory.
 
kharranger said:
The internal dimensions should not be externally frozen. Their size and shape should be determined dynamically by the theory.

Once determined dynamically, does it ever change, and if it did change, would that change the particle spectrum?
 

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