Small-Instanton Transitions in F-theory

Abstract

We study the phase transition between G-instantons and D3-branes. A G-instanton is a classical solution to the self-dual equation of the M/F-theory four-form field strength G in the complex fourfold. This phase transition is dual to that between small instantons and 5-branes in the heterotic string. Using G as a background gauge flux, we may dynamically control the gauge symmetry breaking, connect between different vacua of F-theory and understand D3-branes in terms of group-theoretical quantities. We also discuss the resulting chirality change and preservation of anomaly freedom.