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Higher codimension de Sitter branes

Florian Niedermann1,* and Antonio Padilla2,3,†

  • *Contact author: florian.niedermann@su.se
  • †Contact author: antonio.padilla@nottingham.ac.uk
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Phys. Rev. D 112, L121505 – Published 30 December, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/9423-j3hl

Abstract

We extend the arguments of Maldacena and Núñez to include higher codimension brane setups and derive a new no-go theorem. Specifically, we show that, under reasonable assumptions on the energy-momentum conservation and the bulk curvature, codimension-two branes fail to support stable de Sitter solutions. For codimensions higher than two embedded in a compact internal space, we show that negative tension sources would be required. This result places strong constraints on the viability of higher-dimensional braneworld models as a means to obtain de Sitter space within string theory.

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Phys. Rev. D 112, L121505– Published 30 December, 2025
  • Received 10 August 2025
  • Accepted 11 December 2025
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