F-theory Vacua and $α'$-Corrections

Abstract

In this work we analyze F-theory and Type IIB orientifold compactifications to study $α'$-corrections to the four-dimensional, $\mathcal{N} = 1$ effective actions. In particular, we obtain corrections to the Kählermoduli space metric and its complex structure for generic dimension originating from eight-derivative corrections to eleven-dimensional supergravity. We propose a completion of the $G^ 2 R^3$ and $(\nabla G)^2R^2$-sector in eleven-dimensions relevant in Calabi--Yau fourfold reductions. We suggest that the three-dimensional, $\mathcal{N}=2$ Kähler coordinates may be expressed as topological integrals depending on the first, second, and third Chern-forms of the divisors of the internal Calabi--Yau fourfold. The divisor integral Ansatz for the Kähler potential and Kähler coordinates may be lifted to four-dimensional, $\mathcal{N} = 1$ F-theory vacua. We identify a novel correction to the Kähler potential and coordinates at order $ α'^2$, which is leading compared to other known corrections in the literature. At weak string coupling the correction arises from the intersection of $D7$-branes and $O7$-planes with base divisors and the volume of self-intersection curves of divisors in the base. In the presence of the conjectured novel $α'$-correction resulting from the divisor interpretation the no-scale structure may be broken. Furthermore, we propose a model independent scenario to achieve non-supersymmetric AdS vacua for Calabi-Yau orientifold backgrounds with negative Euler-characteristic.