Short Distances in String Theory

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The proposed research involves addressing the fundamental problems both theoretical and experimental facing any quantum theory of gravity. The Hawking paradox, the cosmological constant problem and the breakdown of classical general relativity during gravitational collapse all arise because of a lack of understanding of how classical space-times emerge from quantum degrees of freedom at short distances. The PI intends to address this problem by considering string theory in asymptotically anti-de Sitter space-times. The PI is also interested in connecting String Theory with Experimental Cosmology. The PI is pursuing the possibility that non-renormalizable corrections to the kinetic energy terms of the inflaton responsible for inflation are potentially observable. The PI is also pursuing string theory models with warped compactifications that would contain a new type of dark matter particle.