Mathematics Colloquia and Seminars

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I will first explain how the challenge of constructing a low energy limit of heterotic string theory reproducing the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model of particle physics translates into a well defined mathematical question in algebraic geometry. Namely, the challenge amounts to constructing stable holomorphic vector bundles on Calabi-Yau threefolds satisfying a detailed set of constraints. Then I will prove a no-go theorem about the existence of such "Standard Model bundles" on a Calabi-Yau threefold which possesses an Abelian surface fibration. If time permits, I will also discuss new ideas in heterotic string phenomenology inspired by recent work in F-theory.