The \mu-problem, the NMSSM and string theory

Abstract

We discuss recent developments on the solution of the so-called supersymmetric mu-problem in the context of heterotic orbifolds. In particular, an approximate R symmetry can induce an admissible mu-term in Minkowski vacua of orbifold models with the MSSM spectrum. A natural solution to the mu-problem is also offered by explicit string-derived NMSSMs. These models help avoid the fine-tuning of the MSSM.

Comments: 6 pages, 1 fig. Prepared for the proceedings of the Corfu Summer Institute 2009; v2: references added