Towards a dark sector model from string theory

Abstract

An embedding of a unified dark sector model into string theory with the following features is proposed: the model-independent axion descending from the Kalb-Ramond 2-form field is identified with the dark-matter field, and the real part of a Kähler modulus field — the “radius” of one of the extra spatial dimensions — accounts for dark energy. The expectation value of the dilaton field is stabilized by a gaugino condensation mechanism. A dark-energy potential with an amplitude corresponding to a realistic low energy scale results from some gentle tuning of the stabilized expectation value of the dilaton. The resulting potential reproduces the one in a previous dark-sector model proposed by two of us. Challenges to obtain a sufficiently flat potential are discussed.