Nonabelian Structures in String Theory

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Einstein's theory of General Relativity describes gravitational forces between large objects, such as the attraction between the Earth and the Sun that holds the Earth in its orbit around the Sun, or the forces that have determined the rate of expansion of the Universe since the Big Bang. General Relativity is an accurate theory and its predictions have been thoroughly tested by observations. Quantum Mechanics, on the other hand, is the theory of the small: the atom, as well as the atom's constituents. It governs everything from superconductivity to the speed of chemical reactions, from the behaviour of electrons to that of the recently discovered Higgs particle. Quantum theory predicts experimental results to an unprecedented accuracy. General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics are the two paradigms through which we describe our Universe, but it is not understood how to combine them into a unified framework. Yet, the study of some of the most fascinating phenomena requires physicists to use both at once (Black Holes are an example of this). String Theory is currently our best candidate for a framework in which these two theories can be brought together. It has some profound consequences for what we think might be possible in our Universe, such as existence of extra dimensions. Recent advances in String Theory contain many hints that space and time are not fundamental. My work focuses on the origin of space-time, on its nature when viewed from up close, and on the underlying objects which might be more fundamental than space-time itself.