New $G_2$-conifolds in $M$-theory and their Field Theory Interpretation

Abstract

A recent theorem of Foscolo-Haskins-Nordström [1] which constructs complete G 2 -holonomy orbifolds from circle bundles over Calabi-Yau cones can be utilised to construct and investigate a large class of generalisations of the M -theory flop transition. We see that in many cases a UV perturbative gauge theory appears to have an infrared dual described by a smooth G 2 -holonomy background in M -theory. Various physical checks of this proposal are carried out affirmatively.