Research in Gravitational Physics

该奖项与引力物理学的广泛研究有关。具体的研究课题包括：建立弯曲时空中量子场论的公理框架，研究微扰量子场论中的收敛问题，研究引力辐射反应对点粒子影响的规范独立公式，研究多重透镜遭遇和引力透镜中的其他问题。研究与暴胀和暗能量相关的基本问题，分析具有额外维度的模型的可行性，以及涉及修改爱因斯坦方程的理论。虽然这项研究包括许多不同领域的广泛主题，但研究的主要目标有一个共同的主题：更深入地了解经典广义相对论的数学和物理特性以及在强引力场中发生的量子现象。弯曲时空中量子场论相关课题的进展将对量子引力的研究产生重大影响。独立于量规的引力辐射反应公式的发展将极大地帮助计算LIGO和LISA可能观测到的效应。在引力透镜、暴胀和暗能量相关问题以及额外维度模型方面的进展应该会对宇宙学研究产生重大影响。与该奖项相关的一般研究领域引起了公众的极大兴趣。该奖项将在很大程度上涉及研究生直接参与研究的各个方面。

This award is concerned with a broad range of research in gravitational physics. The specific research topics that will be investigated include the development of an axiomatic framework for quantum field theory in curved spacetime, the investigation of convergence issues in perturbative quantum field theory, the development of a gauge independent formulation of the effects of gravitational radiation reaction on point particles, the investigation of multiple lensing encounters and other issues in gravitational lensing, the investigation of fundamental issues related to inflation and dark energy, and the analysis of the viability of models with extra dimensions and theories that involve modifications to Einstein's equation. Although this research includes a wide range of topics in a number of different areas, there is a common theme to the main goals of the research: To obtain a deeper understanding of the mathematical and physical properties of classical general relativity and of quantum phenomena occurring in strong gravitational fields.Progress on the topics relating to quantum field theory in curved spacetime should have a significant impact on research in quantum gravity. The development of a gauge independent formulation of gravitational radiation reaction should signficantly aid the calculation of effects that may be observed by LIGO and LISA. Progress on gravitational lensing, issues related to inflation and dark energy, and models with extra dimensions should have a significant impact on research in cosmology. The general areas of research associated with this award are of considerable interest to the public. This award will heavily involve the direct participation of graduate students in all aspects of the research.