It has been conjectured that in theories consistent with quantum gravity infinite distances field space coincide an tower of states becoming massless exponentially fast the proper distance. The complex-structure moduli Calabi-Yau manifolds is a good testing ground for this conjecture since it known to encode physics. We study setting and present new evidence above conjecture. Points which are at distance along any path characterised by order monodromy matrix. utilise nilpotent orbit theorem...

A bstract It is widely believed that consistent theories of quantum gravity satisfy two basic kinematic constraints: they are free from any global symmetry, and contain a complete spectrum gauge charges. For compact, abelian groups, completeness follows the absence 1-form symmetry. However, this correspondence breaks down for more general where breaking symmetry insufficient to guarantee spectrum. We show may be restored by broadening our notion include non-invertible topological operators,...

A bstract We analyze the charge-to-mass structure of BPS states in general infinite-distance limits $$ \mathcal{N} <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mi>N</mml:mi> </mml:math> = 2 compactifications Type IIB string theory on Calabi-Yau three-folds, and use results to sharpen formulation Swampland Conjectures presence multiple gauge scalar fields. show that bound coincides with black hole extremality these infinite distance limits, vectors lie degenerate ellipsoids...

A bstract Swampland criteria like the Weak Gravity Conjecture should not only apply to particles, but also other lower-codimension charged objects in 4d EFTs strings and membranes. However, description of latter is general subtle due their large backreaction effects. In context $$ \mathcal{N} <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mi>N</mml:mi> </mml:math> = 1 EFTs, we consider \frac{1}{2} <mml:mfrac> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn> </mml:mfrac> BPS membranes...

A bstract Motivated by principles from the Swampland program, which characterize requirements for a consistent UV completion of quantum gravity, combined with observational data, we are led to unique corner gravity landscape. In particular, using Distance/Duality conjecture and smallness dark energy, predict existence light tower states extra mesoscopic dimension length $$ l\sim {\Lambda}^{-\frac{1}{4}}\sim {10}^{-6}m <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">...

Quantum gravitational effects become significant at a cutoff that can be much lower than the Planck scale whenever there is large number of light fields. This expected to occur any perturbative limit an effective field theory coupled gravity, or equivalently, infinite distance in space UV completion. In this note, we present universal pattern links asymptotic variation quantum gravity Λ_{sp} and characteristic mass lightest tower states m: (∇[over →]m/m)·(∇[over →]Λ_{sp}/Λ_{sp})=[1/(d-2)],...

A bstract Infinite distance limits in the moduli space of a quantum gravity theory are characterized by having infinite towers states becoming light, as dictated Distance Conjecture Swampland program. These imply drastic breakdown perturbative regimes effective field at cut-off scale known species scale. In this work, we find universal pattern satisfied all string compactifications, which relates variation mass tower and scale: $$ \frac{\overrightarrow{\nabla}m}{m}\cdotp...

We discuss quantum gravitational effects in Einstein theory coupled to periodic axion scalars analyze the viability of several proposals achieve superplanckian periods (aka decay constants) and their possible application large field inflation models. The we study correspond nucleation euclidean instantons charged under axion, our results are essentially compatible with (but independent of) Weak Gravity Conjecture, as follows: Single theories contain inducing sizable higher harmonics...

The Swampland Distance Conjecture suggests that an infinite tower of modes becomes exponentially light when approaching a point is at proper distance in field space. In this paper we investigate conjecture the K\"ahler moduli spaces Calabi-Yau threefold compactifications and further elucidate proposal states generated by discrete symmetries associated to points. large volume regime action local monodromy matrices encoded orbit D-brane charges. We express these terms triple intersection...

The recently proposed relaxion models require extremely large trans-Planckian axion excursions as well a potential explicitly violating the shift symmetry. latter property is however inconsistent with periodicity, which corresponds to gauged discrete A way make things consistent use monodromy, i.e. both and parameters transform under structure better described in terms of 3-form field C μνρ coupling SM Higgs through its strength F 4. 4-form also couples linearly relaxion, Kaloper-Sorbo...

A bstract We observe a direct relation between the existence of fundamental axionic strings, dubbed EFT and infinite distance limits in 4d $$ \mathcal{N} <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mi>N</mml:mi></mml:math> = 1 EFTs coupled to gravity. The backreaction strings can be interpreted as RG flow their couplings, allows one probe different regimes within field space theory. propose that any limit realised an string flow. show along such becomes asymptotically...

A bstract We formulate a series of conjectures relating the geometry conformal manifolds to spectrum local operators in field theories d &gt; 2 spacetime dimensions. focus on with limiting points at infinite distance respect Zamolodchikov metric. Our central conjecture is that all possess an emergent higher-spin symmetry, generated by tower currents whose anomalous dimensions vanish exponentially distance. Stated geometrically, diameter non-compact manifold must diverge logarithmically gap....

We draw attention to a class of generalized global symmetries, which we call "Chern-Weil symmetries," that arise ubiquitously in gauge theories. The Noether currents these Chern-Weil symmetries are given by wedge products field strengths, such as $F_2 \wedge H_3$ and $\text{tr}(F_2^2)$, their conservation follows from Bianchi identities. As result, they not easy break. However, it is widely believed exact allowed consistent theory quantum gravity. any symmetry low-energy effective must be...

A bstract The Swampland Distance Conjecture (SDC) restricts the geodesic distances that scalars can traverse in effective field theories as they approach points at infinite distance moduli space. We propose that, when applied to subset of light fields with scalar potentials, SDC amount non-geodesicity allowed for trajectories along valleys potential. This is necessary ensure consistency a valid swampland criterion any energy scale across RG flow. provide simple description this effect space...

We study whether the universal runaway behaviour of stringy scalar potentials towards infinite field distance limits can produce an accelerated expanding cosmology \`{a} la quintessence. identify a loophole to some proposed bounds that forbid such asymptotic (at parametric control) expansion in 4d $\mathcal{N}=1$ supergravities, by considering several terms potential competing asymptotically. then analyse concrete string theory examples coming from F-theory flux compactifications on...

We continue the investigation of F-term axion monodromy inflation in string theory, while seriously taking issue moduli stabilization into account. For a number closed and open models, we show that they suffer from serious control issues once one is trying to realize trans-Planckian field excursions. More precisely, flux tuning required delay logarithmic scaling distance value cannot be done without leaving regime where employed effective supergravity theory under control. Our findings are...

We discuss the role of Minkowski 3-forms in flux string vacua. In these vacua all internal closed fluxes are one to correspondence with quantized 4-forms. By performing a dimensional reduction $D=10$ Type II supergravity actions we find that 4-forms act as auxiliary fields Kahler and complex structure moduli effective action. show RR NS axion dependence scalar potential appears through said Gauge invariance forms then severely restricts potentials. Combined duality symmetries it suggests...

We clarify the differences between usual Kaloper-Sorbo description of axion monodromy and effective axionic potential in terms Minkowski 4-forms derived string compactifications. The fact that metric 3-form fields coming from theory is field dependent (unlike Kaloper-Sorbo) leads to backreaction issues recently studied models within theory. reanalyse these problems focusing on case which non-periodic scalars backreact Kahler inflaton reducing physical range. In closed sector Type II...

We initiate the systematic study of flux scalar potentials and their vacua by using asymptotic Hodge theory. To begin with, we consider F-theory compactifications on Calabi-Yau fourfolds with four-form flux. argue that a classifications all can be performed when focusing regions in field space which one or several fields are large close to boundary. exemplify constraints such compactifications, explicitly determine this classification for situations two complex structure moduli taken large....

A bstract bubble of nothing is a spacetime instability where compact dimension collapses. After nucleation, it expands at the speed light, leaving “nothing” behind. We argue that topological and dynamical mechanisms which could protect compactification against decay to seem be absent in string compactifications once supersymmetry broken. The obstruction lies bordism group and, surprisingly, can disappear even for SUSY-compatible spin structure. As proof principle, we construct an explicit T...

We view and provide further evidence for a number of Swampland criteria, including the Weak Gravity Conjecture, Distance Conjecture bounds on finiteness quantum gravity vacua from prism black hole entropy. Furthermore we propose that at least all these statements may be more fundamentally consequence amplitudes.

A bstract We study towers of light particles that appear in infinite-distance limits moduli spaces 9-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mi>N</mml:mi> </mml:math> = 1 string theories, some which notably feature decompactification with running coupling. The lightest tower such consists the non-BPS Kaluza-Klein modes Type I ′ theory, whose masses depend nontrivially on theory. work out moduli-dependence by explicit computation, finding...

It has been recently pointed out that the polarization BICEP2 results are consistent with identification of an inflaton mass m \simeq 10^{13} GeV SUSY breaking scale in MSSM a fine-tuned SM Higgs. This leads to Higgs m_h 126 GeV, LHC measurements. Here we propose this naturally suggests identify heavy system. The fact extrapolated coupling lambda_{SM}\simeq 0 at scales below Planck degrees freedom could be associated Wilson line or D-brane position modulus string theory. system then shift...

We propose that inflation is driven by a (complex) neutral Higgs of the MSSM extension SM, in chaotic-like setting. The SUSY breaking soft term masses are order $10^{12}-10^{13}$ GeV, which identified with inflaton mass scale and just enough to stabilise SM potential. fine-tuned has then around 126 agreement LHC results. point out required large field excursions chaotic may be realised string theory inflaton/Higgs continuous Wilson line or D-brane position. show specific examples study...