Five-dimensional Gauge Theories in a warped background

Abstract

The phase diagram of five-dimensional anisotropic gauge theories in a flat background has been extensively explored during the last decade. Here, we present novel results for the phase structure of the five-dimensional anisotropic SU(2) model embedded in a warped background. The static potential in the deconfining region of the phase diagram, close to the transition to the layered phase, provides evidence of a Yukawa mass, suggesting that the system is in a 4D Higgs-like phase. As no symmetry has been broken by the boundary conditions, this phase appears to be due to the warp factor. Whether the system is dimensionally reduced from a 5D phase to this 4D Higgs-like phase, which would provide a mechanism for dimensional reduction via localization, remains open.