Infrared Regularization of Superstring Theory and the One-Loop Calculation of Coupling Constants

Abstract

Infrared regularized versions of 4-D N=1 superstring ground states are constructed by curving the spacetime. A similar regularization can be performed in field theory. For the IR regularized string ground states we derive the exact one-loop effective action for non-zero U(1) or chromo-magnetic fields as well as gravitational and axionic-dilatonic fields. This effective action is IR and UV finite. Thus, the one-loop corrections to all couplings (gravitational, gauge and Yukawas) are unabiguously computed. These corrections are necessary for quantitative string superunification predictions at low energies. The one-loop corrections to the couplings are also found to satisfy Infrared Flow Equations.

Comments: Version to appear in Nucl. Phys. B. (several parts have been expanded, and extra results have been added.)