Research in Theory of Elementary Particles and Cosmology

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The proposed research involves group research in Elementary Particle Theory and Cosmology. The PI's propose to investigate the experimental consequences of gravity becoming important at the TeV scale as a result of large extra dimensions. The PI's intend to investigate various possibilities for physics beyond the Standard Model. An extra-dimensional approach to the cosmological constant problem will be investigated. The new geometries that occur when one studies string vacua when flux is present will be explored. String theory cosmology and the problem of spacelike singularities in string theory will be studied. An attempt will be made to construct realistic inflationary models and a theory of dark energy in the context of supergravity, string theory and M-theory. Observational consequences of these models will be investigated. An attempt will be made to develop nonperturbative approaches to string theory that will allow one to understand cosmological singularities such as the Big Bang. The PI's intend to investigate supersymmetric Grand Unified Theories that arise from string theory and M theory compactifications using flux stabilization techniques. The PI's will attempt to understand how string theory can accommodate the observed acceleration of the universe. The PI's also intend to find realistic theories of electroweak symmetry breaking and physics beyond the standard model.