Living inside a hedgehog: Higher-dimensional solutions that localize gravity

We consider spherically symmetric higher-dimensional solutions of Einstein's equations with a bulk cosmological constant and n transverse dimensions. In contrast to the case of one or two extra dimensions we find no solutions that localize gravity when n ≥ 3, for strictly local topological defects. We discuss global topological defects that lead to the localization of gravity and estimate the corrections to Newton's law. We show that the introduction of a bulk 'hedgehog' magnetic field leads to a regular geometry and localizes gravity on the 3-brane with either a positive, zero or negative bulk cosmological constant. The corrections to Newton's law on the 3-brane are parametrically the same as for the case of one transverse dimension. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.