The Sharp Edges of Calabi-Yau Manifolds: Designing Symmetric Models for Ricci-flat Metrics

Computing Ricci-flat metrics on Calabi-Yau manifolds is challenging since no closed-form solutions are known. However, these computations are needed in order to make physical predictions in heterotic string theory, such as the masses of quarks and Yukawa couplings. In this manuscript, we present an overview of relevant literature for learning about Calabi-Yau manifolds, as ML researchers often face a steep learning curve when entering the field. Furthermore, we survey the impact of the manifold’s symmetries on machine learning approximations to these flat metrics. We also characterise the isometries of Ricci-flat metrics, a result frequently omitted or used without proof. Then, we address symmetry breaking in point sampling and introduce a novel formula for computing volume ratios on general CICY manifolds. We conclude by presenting a new symmetry-aware model built using graph neural networks that avoids pathological behaviour witnessed in some other models.