Research on General Relativity and Quantum Fluctuations

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This project will involve theoretical research on several topics related to quantum theory and gravitation. There will be special emphasis on phenomena related to quantum fluctuations including the operational meaning of spacetime geometry fluctuations, the probability distribution of quantumstress tensor fluctuations, the role of stress tensor fluctuations in inflation, and selected aspects of the Casimir force. This project seeks to integrate studies of the quantum nature of the gravitational field with studies of fluctuating electromagnetic forces. It is hoped that this type of investigation will lead to a deeper understanding of both types of phenomena. This project is expected to have a broader impact through possible benefits to other fields of science, to education, and to technology. It will entail international collaborations, and hence help to forge links with researchers in other countries. The insights and techniques of this work may be useful outside of the specific subfields of physics being investigated. The project will further education through the training of graduate students and by the involvement of faculty at primarily teaching institutions. It should also produce examples which can be used to explain some of the concepts of quantum theory and relativity to students on a variety of educational levels. The work on Casimir forces may eventually be useful in nanotechnology where a better knowledge of Casimir forces is likely to become important for the construction of small scale devices.