Fermion masses and induction of the weak scale by supergravity

Abstract

We discuss some problems which arise in a low-energy theory of strong and electroweak interactions when the weak scale is induced via supergravity. The main problem concerns the origin of quark and lepton masses. If the fermions obtain their masses in the conventional way via Yukawa couplings, then the low-energy supergap (mass difference between supersymmetric partners) is comparable to the mass of the lightest massive fermion. One solution would require that at least the light generations receive their mass indirectly via radiative corrections. Alternatively it might be that the SU(2) x U(1) breaking is induced radiatively.