Abstract
We conjecture the existence of a new discrete symmetry of the modular type relating weak and strong coupling in string theory. The existence of this symmetry would strongly constrain the non-perturbative behaviour in string partition functions and introduces the notion of a maximal (minimal) coupling constant. An effective lagrangian analysis suggests that the dilaton vacuum expectation value is dynamically fixed to be of order one. In supersymmetric heterotic strings, supersymmetry (as well as this modular symmetry itself) is generically spontaneously broken.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 35-43 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Physics Letters B |
Volume | 249 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 11 1990 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics