An index for flux vacua
Abstract
A bstract We propose to use the winding number of the gradient of a scalar potential as a simple topological index that relates critical points in the interior of the scalar field space to the behavior of the potential at the (asymptotic) boundary of the field space. We demonstrate this technique for supersymmetric flux compactifications of M-theory on Calabi-Yau four-folds, and use the Fermat sextic as a simple, one-parameter example.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Black Holes and Theoretical Physics
Physics of Superconductivity and Magnetism
Quantum Chromodynamics and Particle Interactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of High Energy Physics
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 2026
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 21 January 2026
- Language
- EN