On Codimension-one Vacua and String Theory

Abstract: We investigate codimension-one vacua arising from low energy effective actions inspired by string theory, with an eye to their consistency when localized sources are allowed in the equations of motion. We draw some inspiration from Sugimoto's USp(32) model, the simplest setting for brane supersymmetry breaking, and from the 0'B model, with their Dudas-Mourad solutions. Although the sources that one can thus identify do not have a clear role in string theory, this type of investigation is naturally suggested by the singularities that appear at the endpoints of internal intervals. We also discuss the introduction of sources in deformed D8-like solutions in type IIA, pointing out an analogy with one of the non-supersymmetric models. Finally, we show that an appropriate choice of frame can simplify computations in models with tadpole potentials.