The fate of discrete torsion on resolved heterotic Z2×Z2 orbifolds using (0,2) GLSMs

• Published in: Nuclear physics. B 2023-03, Vol.988, p.116111, Article 116111
• Main Authors: Faraggi, A.E., Groot Nibbelink, S., Hurtado Heredia, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0550-3213; 1873-1562
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nuclphysb.2023.116111

This paper aims to shed light on what becomes of discrete torsion within heterotic orbifolds when they are resolved to smooth geometries. Gauged Linear Sigma Models (GLSMs) possessing (0,2) worldsheet supersymmetry are employed as interpolations between them. This question is addressed for resolutions of the non–compact C3/Z2×Z2 and the compact T6/Z2×Z2 orbifolds to keep track of local and global aspects. The GLSMs associated with the non–compact orbifold with or without torsion are to a large extent equivalent: only when expressed in the same superfield basis, a field redefinition anomaly arises among them, which in the orbifold limit reproduces the discrete torsion phases. Previously unknown, novel resolution GLSMs for T6/Z2×Z2 are constructed. The GLSM associated with the torsional compact orbifold suffers from mixed gauge anomalies, which need to be cancelled by appropriate logarithmic superfield dependent FI–terms on the worldsheet, signalling H–flux due to NS5–branes supported at the exceptional cycles.