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 QFTs in static and dynamical space--time backgrounds. 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 longstanding interest in constructing de Sitter vacua and inflationary models in String Theory, and understanding the origin of the Universe. The themes of my research naturally fit into the holographic framework of gauge/gravity correspondence: they can be studied together. From Thermodynamics to Hydrodynamics to Non-equilibrium Gauge Theory Plasma. I intend to continue development of my program on holographic quantum quenches. 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 top--down holographic gauge/string correspondence. The results should be of interest to researchers involved in experimental heavy- ion programs at RHIC and LHC. I will continue exploring the universal aspects of strongly coupled gauge theory dynamics in various backgrounds (external magnetic fields, dynamical space--time). I will continue exploration of formal hydrodynamics as an effective field theory, focusing on asymptotic properties of its derivative expansion. Inflation and Origin of the Universe in String Theory. Astrophysical evidence suggests that we live in asymptotically de Sitter space-time. Quantum de Sitter vacua present a fundamental challenge in String Theory and their very existence is a subject of renewed interest (the Swampland program). Somewhat surprisingly, even a supposedly simpler problem of dynamics of strongly interacting non-conformal gauge theories in classical de Sitter space-time is poorly understood. I will continue to explore these two aspects of de Sitter in String Theory and holography. Specifically, I will continue investigation of direct and indirect constraints on de Sitter vacua in String Theory. Canonical hydrodynamics is not applicable in describing late-time dynamics of non-conformal QFT states in classical de Sitter space-time I will continue my ongoing program of developing an effective theory of QFT dynamics in de Sitter, in particular focusing on the question of the entanglement entropy of its 'vacuum state'.