GUTs with dim-5 interactions: Gauge Unification and Intermediate Scales

Abstract

Dimension-5 corrections to the gauge kinetic term of Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) may capture effects of quantum gravity or string compactification. Such operators modify the usual gauge coupling unification prediction in a calculable manner. Here we examine SU(5), SO(10), and E(6) GUTs in the light of all such permitted operators and calculate the impact on the intermediate scales and the unification programme. We show that in many cases at least one intermediate scale can be lowered to even 1-10 TeV, where a neutral Z' and possibly other states are expected.

Comments: 23 pages, 8 figures, 10 tables, Treatment of U(1) mixing effects corrected. Published version.