We study one-loop corrections to a four-dimensional field-theory model, including nonperturbative supersymmetry breaking by gaugino condensation, suggested by a particular compactification of the zero-slope limit of a ten-dimensional superstring theory. We find that, unless the vacuum energy is unbounded from below, it vanishes at the minimum of the effective one-loop-corrected potential. If there is a vacuum with broken supersymmetry, it remains degenerate in one direction and the scales of the effective theory are obtained at one loop in terms of only one (discrete) parameter which remains undetermined. One-loop corrections from the effective theory at scales below ${\Lambda }_c$, where hidden gaugino condensation occurs, generate no soft supersymmetry breaking in the observable sector. The analysis of one-loop effects from scales above ${\Lambda }_c$ suggests that no soft supersymmetry-breaking terms are generated in the gauge-nonsinglet scalar sector, while if gaugino masses ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{g}\mathrm{̃}}$ are generated they are related to the gravitino mass ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{g}\mathrm{̃}}$ by ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{m}\mathrm{̃}}$=O(1–100)${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{G}\mathrm{̃}}^3$/16${\mathrm{\pi }}^2$${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{p}}^2$. We discuss possibilities for a viable gauge hierarchy and the generalization of our results to other superstring-inspired models.

• Received 23 September 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.37.2633