Problems in Theoretical Physics

理论物理问题

• 批准号: 0757035
• 负责人: Joseph Polchinski
• 金额: $ 225万
• 依托单位: University of California-Santa Barbara
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-11-01 至 2014-10-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0757035&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Problems; Theoretical; Physics

The Santa Barbara group proposes research on a broad spectrum of fundamental questions in Physics ranging from formal String Theory to calculating QCD matrix elements using Lattice Gauge Theory. They also propose applying field theory concepts to important problem in Biology such as RNA folding as well as using modern methods to understand Quantum Chaos. The proposed research in string theory will focus on fundamental questions in the formulation of the theory (including high energy scattering, time-dependent configurations, and holographic duality), possible observational signatures via cosmic superstrings, and the application of gauge/string duality to physics of gauge theories and other field theories. Related investigations include issues of scattering in gravitational theories, lessons from the black hole information paradox, and applications of models of emergent gravity to black hole physics. In particle physics and astrophysics, problems to be studied include the study of supersymmetric models, research to understand the smallness of the up quark mass and a proposal on how to solve the strong CP problem of QCD. There is also proposed a variety of studies in neutrino physics including studying the predictions for lepton masses in tetrahedral group models, CP violation in the lepton sector, and relations between neutrino and charged lepton masses. Research in quantum chaos theory will focus on the Ruelle resonances and their role in classical and quantum dynamics. Work in quantitative biology will continue the study of the topology of RNA folding using random matrix theory and Monte Carlo methods. Research in lattice gauge theory will be directed at the study of the masses of strongly interacting particles, the properties of light pseudoscalar mesons, the decays of particles with heavy quarks, the behavior of strongly interacting matter at high temperatures, and the generation of gauge configurations with improved staggered quarks for use by other lattice gauge theorists in their own research.The scientific broader impact of this proposal is that research in string theory is aimed at developing a unified theory of all of the fundamental interactions of nature. The proposed research in particle phenomenology and lattice gauge theory is directly related to, and supportive of, programs in experimental high energy physics. Furthermore, part of the effort in lattice gauge theory is aimed at developing large-scale computational infrastructure for the entire U.S. lattice gauge theory community. The approach being taken has broad possibilities for application to computationally-intensive problems in many areas of science and engineering. The research topics covered by this proposal provide excellent educational opportunities for students and postdocs. This educational role is also greatly strengthened by interactions with the many visitors to the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP).

圣巴巴拉小组提出研究物理学中的广泛的基本问题，从形式的弦理论到使用格点规范理论计算QCD矩阵元素。他们还建议将场论概念应用于生物学中的重要问题，如RNA折叠，以及使用现代方法来理解量子混沌。 弦理论的拟议研究将集中在理论制定中的基本问题（包括高能散射，时间相关配置和全息对偶性），通过宇宙超弦可能的观测签名，以及规范/弦对偶性在规范理论和其他场论物理学中的应用。相关的研究包括引力理论中的散射问题，黑洞信息悖论的教训，以及涌现引力模型在黑洞物理中的应用。在粒子物理学和天体物理学中，需要研究的问题包括超对称模型的研究，理解上夸克质量的微小性的研究以及如何解决QCD强CP问题的建议。也有建议在中微子物理学的各种研究，包括研究预测的轻子质量四面体群模型，CP破坏轻子部门，和中微子和带电轻子质量之间的关系。量子混沌理论的研究将集中在Ruelle共振及其在经典和量子动力学中的作用。定量生物学的工作将继续使用随机矩阵理论和蒙特卡罗方法研究RNA折叠的拓扑结构。格点规范理论的研究将针对强相互作用粒子的质量、轻赝标介子的性质、重夸克粒子的衰变、高温下强相互作用物质的行为、以及产生具有改进的交错夸克的规范配置，以供其他格点规范理论家在他们自己的研究中使用。这一提议的科学更广泛的影响是，弦理论的研究目的是发展一个自然界所有基本相互作用的统一理论。在粒子唯象学和格点规范理论的拟议研究是直接相关的，并支持，在实验高能物理程序。此外，格点规范理论的部分努力旨在为整个美国格点规范理论社区开发大规模计算基础设施。所采取的方法对于应用于许多科学和工程领域的计算密集型问题具有广泛的可能性。该提案所涵盖的研究主题为学生和博士后提供了极好的教育机会。这种教育作用也大大加强了与许多游客的互动，以理论物理研究所（KITP）的Kavli。