New Nonsupersymmetric Tachyon-Free Strings

Physical Review Letters 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Zihni Kaan Baykara, Houri-Christina Tarazi, Cumrun Vafa
DOI: 10.1103/3c5v-yv16
Cited by: 1
References: 59

Abstract

In four decades of string theory research, only a handful of nonsupersymmetric tachyon-free strings with only one neutral scalar at tree level were found. We construct new nonsupersymmetric tachyon-free string theories using asymmetric orbifolds that serve as the lower-dimensional counterparts to the O(16)×O(16) string in 4, 6, and 8 dimensions, each featuring only one neutral scalar at tree level, chiral matter and positive leading order potential. The 4D construction uses a quasicrystalline orbifold.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Black Holes and Theoretical Physics Topological Materials and Phenomena Quasicrystal Structures and Properties

Publication details

Journal / source
Physical Review Letters
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Volume
136
Issue
6
Pages
061602–061602
Publication date
6 January 2026
Language
EN