Eight-dimensional non-geometric heterotic strings and enhanced gauge groups

Abstract

We review the construction of eight-dimensional (8D) non-geometric heterotic strings, proposed by Malmendier and Morrison, which do not allow for a geometric interpretation. In the construction, the $\mathfrak{e}_8\oplus \mathfrak{e}_7$ gauge algebra is unbroken. The moduli space of 8D non-geometric heterotic strings and theories arising in the moduli space can be analyzed by studying the geometries of elliptically fibered K3 surfaces with a global section by applying F-theory/heterotic duality. Additionally, we review the results of the points in the 8D non-geometric heterotic moduli with the unbroken $\mathfrak{e}_8\oplus \mathfrak{e}_7$ gauge algebra, at which the non-Abelian gauge groups are maximally enhanced. At these points, the gauge groups formed in the theories do not allow for a perturbative interpretation of the heterotic perspective. However, from the dual F-theory perspective, the K3 geometries at these points are deformations of the stable degenerations that arise from the coincident 7-branes. On the heterotic side, these enhancements can be understood as a non-perturbative effect of 5-brane insertions.