Brane Models and the Hierarchy Problem

Citation

Goldberger, Walter D. (2001) Brane Models and the Hierarchy Problem. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/zmfm-yd07. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06242010-150733171

Abstract

It has been recently proposed that higher-dimensional field theory models in the presence of extended defects ("branes") may play a role in addressing the gauge hierarchy problem. In this thesis we consider several aspects of such field theories. First we perform the Kaluza-Klein reduction of a bulk scalar field propagating in the scenario of Randall and Sundrum, which consists of a region of five-dimensional anti-deSitter space bounded by two three-branes. We then propose a simple mechanism, based on the dynamics of a bulk scalar field, for stabilizing the modulus field (the "radion") corresponding to the size of the compact dimension in the Randall-Sundrum scenario. Some implications of this stabilization mechanism for low-energy phenomenology are described. Next, we investigate the one-loop quantum corrections to the radion effective potential. We show that for large brane separation, the quantum effects are power suppressed and therefore have a negligible effect on the bulk dynamics once a classical stabilization mechanism is in place. Finally, we study the ultraviolet divergence structure of field theory in the presence of branes and find that brane-localized divergences arise both at the classical and quantum level. We show how to interpret the classical divergences by the usual regularization and renormalization procedure of quantum field theory.

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