Research on Gauge Theories, Gravity, and Strings

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This award supports several research projects involving both formal and phenomenological aspects of String Theory and related theories of gravity, and supersymmetric field theories. The main focus of one aspect of theproposal is to attain a deeper understanding of holography, particularly in the time-dependent context through consideration of physical questions such as particle production and initial conditions. Another main area of research is to use exact solutions of supersymmetric gauge theories to explore a range of nonperturbative phenomena, from conformal field theories in 4D to the structure of solitons, with potential extensions to supergravity and string theory. In addition, a program seeking experimentalsignatures and strengthen constraints on low-energy gravity, using data from current and future cosmic ray detectors and particle colliders will be continued. New projects on baryon decay and spacetime foam will augment previous work on black hole production. This research project is expected to enhance the quality of undergraduate and graduate physics education at the University of Kentucky and increase awareness of frontier physics research in an Appalachian region with one of the lowest scientific literacy rates inthe country.