Superstring Theory, Quantum Gravity and Noncommutative Geometry

这项提议要求继续支持旨在统一量子力学和引力的研究计划。该程序遵循两种截然不同的方法：一方面是弦理论和M-理论；另一方面是非对易几何。弦理论方法涉及超对称性、黑洞和膜等领域，参与这项工作的Co-Pi是研究黑洞的公认专家。非对易几何方法考虑了在极小的次普朗克距离下空间被量子化的可能性；PI是该方法的早期先驱之一，并为其奠定了基础。这项工作的更广泛影响在于世界欠发达地区的教育和研究发展领域，它们可能对粒子物理现象学和宇宙学等相关领域产生重要影响。

This proposal requests continuing support for a program of research aimed at the unification of quantum mechanics and gravity. The program follows two distinct approaches: string theory and M-theory on the one hand; and noncommutative geometry on the other. The string theory approach involves such areas as supersymmetry, black holes, and branes, and the Co-PI involved in this effort is an acknowledged expert in the study of black holes. The noncommutative geometry approach considers the possibility that at extremely small, sub-Planckian distances space becomes quantized; the PI is one of the early pioneers of this approach and contributed to the foundations of it. The broader impacts of this work lie in the area of education and research development in an under-developed region of the world, and they may have important consequences for related fields such as particle physics phenomenology and cosmology.