Phases, Flops and F-theory: SU(5) Gauge Theories

Understand

We consider F-theory and M-theory compactifications on singular Calabi-Yau fourfolds with an SU(5) singularity.

• On the M-theory side this realizes three-dimensional N=2 supersymmetric gauge theories with matter, and compactification on a resolution of the fourfold corresponds to passing to the Coulomb branch of the gauge theory.
• The classical phase structure of these theories has a simple characterization in terms of subwedges of the fundamental Weyl chamber of the gauge group.
• This phase structure has a counterpart in the network of small resolutions of the Calabi-Yau fourfold.