Gauge Theories and String Theory Dynamics

量子场论（QFT）例证了物理学原理的力量。这是一个不可避免的框架，融合了科学中两个最基本、最具变革性的原理：量子力学和相对论。正因为如此，QFT是所有现代物理学的核心。它以前所未有的成功描述了自然界中的许多现象，包括高能物理、宇宙学和凝聚态物理。它甚至深深影响了数学。在大型强子对撞机上发现希格斯玻色子后，描述粒子物理学标准模型的量子力学预测得到了惊人的证实。此外，来自普朗克卫星的数据加强了解释宇宙大尺度结构起源是由量子场波动播种的这一观点。这些都是QFT历史上无与伦比的胜利。尽管取得了这些突破，但我们对量子效应非常大的非摄动状态下的QFT的理解还远远没有完成。

Quantum Field Theory (QFT) exemplifies the power of principles in physics. It is the inevitable framework merging two of the most fundamental and transformative principles in science: Quantum Mechanics and Relativity. Because of this, QFT is at the heart of all modern physics. It describes, with unprecedented success, many phenomena in nature, including in high energy physics, cosmology and condensed matter physics. It has even deeply impacted mathematics. The predictions of QFT describing the Standard Model of Particle Physics have been spectacularly confirmed by the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider. Also, data from the Planck satellite have strengthened the picture explaining the origin of the large scale structure of the Universe as being seeded by fluctuations of a quantum field. These are unparalleled triumphs in the history of QFT. Despite these breakthroughs, our understanding of QFT in the nonperturbative regime, where quantum effects are very large- is very far from complete. My research program investigates the physical properties and phenomena that nonperturbative systems can exhibit. These systems have by in large remained unexplored. This includes the use of new ideas and techniques that have recently become available and that allow to answer, for the first time, long standing questions in QFT, directly relevant to particle physics, condensed matter physics and even mathematics. My team's objective is to solve for the low energy nonperturbative dynamics of QFTs. The answer to these questions can lead to the prediction of new quantum states of matter, such as topological superconductors, with unforeseen technological spinoffs. String theory is the leading candidate for a theory of quantum gravity and unifies the fundamental forces of particle physics with gravity. It merges the physics at the smallest distances, governed by quantum mechanics, with the physics at the largest distances, governed by gravity. This has led to a wealth of insights about the structure of spacetime and matter at short distances. A central aim of this proposal is to develop the physical foundations of a new type of string theory we have recently constructed and dubbed by Nonrelativistic String Theory, which is based on novel symmetries and principles. This string theory describes the propagation and interactions of strings on a new type of curved spacetime geometry that is distinct from the geometry underlying General Relativity. My team of HQPs and I aim to explore and develop the physical and mathematical properties of the new low energy gravitational theory and QFTs emerging at low energies from this new string theory. These theories have symmetries that can appear in various quantum many body systems, where distinct symmetries, including nonrelativistic symmetries, can be realized. This could lead to a new framework to manipulate and model strongly coupled systems, leading to novel materials and technologies.