Compactification (physics)

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For the concept of compactification in mathematics, see compactification (mathematics)

In physics, compactification plays an important part in string theory.

In string theory, compactification refers to "curling up" the extra dimensions (six in the superstring theory), usually on Calabi-Yau spaces or on orbifolds. The mechanism behind this type of compactification is described by the Kaluza-Klein theory. See also compact dimension. The formulation of more precise versions of the meaning of compactification in this context has been promoted by discoveries such as the mysterious duality.

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