Radion Physics, Stability and Cosmological issues

Moduli fields are a known ingredient of models that involve extra compact dimensions, as the Kaluza-Klein theories, String theory, and models with compact extra dimensions. They are scalar fields that emerge when the configuration of the compact space is perturbed. The radion is a particular example of this type of fields, which is associated to the variations of the total volume of compact space. Radions usually couple to all other fields, affecting the definition of coupling constants and gravity strength. They also modify gravitational potentials in a way that may be tested in table top experiments. Usually, these fields are run away modes which manifest the difficulties to stabilize the shape of the compact manifold of extra space. This is feature that can be a threat for cosmology on the early Universe. Here we provide a brief discussion of these general aspects of the radion physics.