Dynamical Phenomena in Quantum Field Theory and String Theory

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The focus of proposed research is understanding a broad class of***dynamical phenomena in strongly coupled gauge theories and***gravity. One the gauge theory side, I am interested in questions of***preparations of non--equilibrium states; quantum quenches and***subsequent thermalization; entropy production in dynamical evolution;***local and non-local probes of thermalization; late--time behaviour of***generic states in Quantum Field Theories. On the gravity side I am***interested in gravitational collapse, specifically the conditions***under which the event horizon is formed; does turbulence play a role***in horizon formation? Additionally, I have a long--standing interest in***constructing inflationary models in String Theory, and understanding***the origin of the Universe. In this view, I was particularly excited***by recent experiment announcement for the detection of the primordial***gravitational waves. ***To make progress in any of these fundamental problems, they must be considered***together: holographic correspondence of Maldacena provides a mapping***between Quantum Field Theory and Gravitational problems. I believe***that combining the intuition and previous research in these seemingly***different sub-fields of theoretical physics would lead to further***breakthroughs. It it natural to separate the project into three***sub-themes:***1) From Thermodynamics to Hydrodynamics to Non--equilibrium Gauge***Theory Plasma. Here I intend to continue development of program of***holographic quantum quenches I have been actively involved with in the***last 3 years. A major effort is related to designing novel numerical***codes that would be able to address the dynamics of quenching systems***without homogeneity and isotropy assumptions. I hope to shed light on***definition of entropy far -from- equilibrium, describe in details***various local and non--local probes of non--equilibrium dynamics. I plan***to perform simulations of ``collisions'' in realistic (confining)***models of holographic gauge/string correspondence. The results should***be of interest to researchers involved in experimental heavy -ion***programs at RHIC and LHC.******2) Gravitational Collapse, Horizon Formation and Turbulence. Here, I***continue to further my program of gravitational collapse in***asymptotically AdS. The main fundamental question I hope to answer***relates to constraints on states in strongly coupled systems that,***despite interactions, fail to equilibrate and thermalize. I hope my***research would help better understand recent Hawking suggestion***concerning the role of turbulence in Black Hole information paradox.******3) Inflation and Origin of the Universe in String Theory I intend to***refine the models of Inflation in String Theory that I worked on in***the past. The motivation for this is the hope that as the potential***discovery of primordial gravitation waves suggests the high scale of***inflation, there might be signatures of String Inflation hidden in***BICEP 2 data.**