We present an explicit construction of the factorization of Seiberg-Witten curves for N = 2 theory with fundamental flavors. We first rederive the exact results for the case of complete factorization, and subsequently derive new results for the case with breaking of gauge symmetry U(Nc) → U(N1)×U(N2). We also show that integrality of periods is necessary and sufficient for factorization in the ...

We study soft supersymmetry breaking in local models of type II string theory compactifications with branes and fluxes. In such models, magnetic fluxes can be treated as auxiliary fields in N = 2 SUSY multiplets. These multiplets appear as “spurion superfields” in the low-energy effective action for the local model. We discuss the pattern of SUSY breaking from N = 2 to N = 1 to N = 0 in these m...

For simple mechanical systems, bifurcating branches of relative equilibria with trivial symmetry from a given set of relative equilibria with toral symmetry are found. Lyapunov stability conditions along these branches are given.

We incorporate chiral symmetry breaking in a soft-wall version of the AdS/QCD model by using a modified dilaton profile and a quartic term in the bulk scalar potential. This allows one to separate the dependence on spontaneous and explicit chiral symmetry breaking. The resulting mass spectra in the scalar, vector and axial-vector sectors compares favorably with the respective QCD resonances.

We discuss the stability of strangelets by considering dynamical chiral symmetry breaking and confinement. We use a U(3)L×U(3)R symmetric Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model for chiral symmetry breaking supplemented by a boundary condition for confinement. It is shown that strangelets with baryon number A<2×10 can stably exist. For the observables, we obtain the masses and the charge-to-baryon number rati...

The regions in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with the minimal amount of fine-tuning of electroweak symmetry breaking are presented for general messenger scale. No a priori relations among the soft supersymmetry breaking parameters are assumed and fine-tuning is minimized with respect to all the important parameters which affect electroweak symmetry breaking. The superpartner spectra...

In this paper, I explain how gauge symmetry can be broken in a geometric way, à la Kaluza-Klein. In higher dimensional gravitational theories, one usually considers the extra dimensions to be “frozen” in time. However, the internal manifold is actually a dynamic entity. For example, its metric can change even if one expects its topological properties to be invariant. It is conceivable then, tha...

For the equation −∆u = ||x| − 2| α u p−1 , 1 < |x| < 3, we prove the existence of two solutions for α large, and of two additional solutions when p is close to the critical Sobolev exponent 2 * = 2N/(N − 2). A symmetry– breaking phenomenon appears, showing that the least–energy solutions cannot be radial functions.

The cosmological relic density of the lightest supersymmetric particle of the minimal supersymmetric standard model is calculated under the assumption of gauge and Yukawa coupling unification. We employ radiative electroweak breaking with universal boundary conditions from gravity-mediated supersymmetry breaking. Further constraints are imposed by the experimental bounds on the b–quark mass and...

Substitutability, interchangeability and related concepts in Constraint Programming were introduced approximately twenty years ago and have given rise to considerable subsequent research. We survey this work, classify, and relate the different concepts, and indicate directions for future work, in particular with respect to making connections with research into symmetry breaking. This paper is a...