TOPICS IN STRING THEORY

弦理论是标准模型与广义相对论在一个与量子理论一致的框架内统一的最有希望的候选者。反德西特/共形场论（AdS/CFT）猜想通过提供4维杨-米尔斯理论和10维弦理论之间的定量对应关系，彻底改变了该领域。本文提出的研究目标是通过AdS/CFT对应，提高我们对微扰和非微扰弦理论的理解，包括黑洞动力学、引力系统的时间演化、QCD的某些方面以及强耦合规范理论中的非平衡热力学。发展超弦微扰理论的精确定量处方也是本提案的目标之一。pi计划进一步研究扩展超对称的超引力理论的精确解，研究它们的AdS/CFT对偶，以及相关的界面共形场理论。这个研究小组的更广泛的影响如下：pi运行一个关于弦理论和相关主题的每周期刊俱乐部，并帮助与当地机构组织两年一次的系列研讨会。他们积极参与拓展和参与QuarkNet项目。一位PI每年为加州大学洛杉矶分校国家需求领域（GAANN）项目的研究生助理开发并教授“科学写作课程”，并为加州大学洛杉矶分校的外联、多样性和奖学金办公室提供“科学写作研讨会”。D'Hoker是阿斯彭物理中心的领导。

String theory is the most promising candidate for the unification of the Standard Model with General Relativity in a framework consistent with Quantum Theory. The Anti-de Sitter/Conformal Field Theory (AdS/CFT) conjecture has revolutionized the field by providing a quantitative correspondence between Yang-Mills theory in 4 dimensions and string theory in 10 dimensions. The goal of the research proposed here is to improve our understanding of perturbative and non-perturbative string theory, including the dynamics of black holes, the time evolution of gravitational systems, certain aspects of QCD, and non-equilibrium thermodynamics in strongly coupled gauge theories, often through the AdS/CFT correspondence. Developing a precise quantitative prescription for superstring perturbation theory is also a goal of this proposal. The PIs plan to further their study of exact solutions of Supergravity theories with extended supersymmetry, investigate their AdS/CFT duals, and related interface conformal field theories. The broader impacts of this research group are as follows: the PIs run a weekly journal club on string theory and related topics, and help organize a bi-annual seminar series with local institutions. They are actively involved in outreach and participate in the QuarkNet program. One PI developed and teaches yearly a "Scientific Writing Course" for UCLA's Graduate Assistants in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program, and presents "Scientific Writing Workshops" for UCLA's Office of Outreach, Diversity and Fellowship. D'Hoker is involved in the leadership of the Aspen Center for Physics.