Non-Abelian discrete gauge symmetries in F-theory

Understand

The presence of non-Abelian discrete gauge symmetries in four-dimensional F-theory compactifications is investigated.

• Such symmetries are shown to arise from seven-brane configurations in genuine F-theory settings without a weak string coupling description.
• Gauge fields on mutually non-local seven-branes are argued to gauge both R-R and NS-NS two-form bulk axions.
• The gauging is completed into a generalisation of the Heisenberg group with either additional seven-brane gauge fields or R-R bulk gauge fields.