K3 x T2/Z2 orientifolds with fluxes, open string moduli and critical points

We extend the four-dimensional gauged supergravity analysis of type IIB vacua on K3 x T-2/Z(2) to the case where also D3 and D7 moduli, belonging to N = 2 vector multiplets, are turned on. In this case, the overall special geometry does not correspond to a symmetric space, unless D3 or D7 moduli are switched off. In the presence of non-vanishing fluxes, we discuss supersymmetric critical points which correspond to Minkowski vacua, finding agreement with previous analysis. Finally, we point out that care is needed in the choice of the symplectic holomorphic sections of special geometry which enter the computation of the scalar potential. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.