CAREER: Strings on the Horizon: Exploring the Interface of High Energy Physics and Cosmology

来自宇宙学的新数据以前所未有的精确度确定了我们宇宙的许多参数。在许多重要的结果中，确定宇宙中的大部分能量是暗的，其形式与正宇宙学常数一致。理解这样的结果似乎需要量子引力理论。弦理论是这种理论的最佳候选，它包含了一种产生暗能量并理解其近似值的机制，但至关重要的是，这个模型是可证伪的和可预测的。计划拟承担国外高能理论研究项目，重点研究弦理论中与宇宙学最相关的方面，最终目标是发现可观测到的弦效应。他将继续研究高尺度物理学和弦理论对大尺度宇宙现象的影响，如宇宙微波背景和宇宙曲率。他将使用弦理论二象性和其他方法研究黑洞、宇宙视界和奇点等物理问题。作为该计划的最后一部分，他将继续并扩展他最近在粒子物理学方面的工作，以期待新数据的到来。该提案的广泛影响将是，PI将在纽约大学开发一个试点项目，以帮助那些属于传统上在物理学和物理科学领域代表性不足的群体的本科生取得成功。该计划将通过促进小组的形成和在必要时提供额外的支持来克服这些学生经常经历的孤立。此外，PI将在纽约物理俱乐部演讲，这是一个由地区高中教师和公众组成的公共论坛，并将参加学校参观，并与两所特定的当地高中进行互动。

New data from cosmology have determined many parameters of our uni- verse tounprecedented accuracy. Among the many significant results is the determination thatmuch of the energy in the universe is dark and of a form consistent with a positivecosmological constant. Understanding such a result appears to require a theory ofquantum gravity. The best candidate for such a theory, string theory, contains amechanism for producing dark energy and understanding its approximate value, but it iscrucial that this model be falsifiable and predictive. The PI proposes to undertake abroad program of research in high energy theory, focusing on the aspects of stringtheory most relevant to cosmology, with the ultimate goal of uncovering stringy effectswhich can be observed. He will continue his work studying the effects of high-scalephysics and string theory on large-scale cosmological phenomena such as the CosmicMicrowave Background and the curvature of the universe. He will research the physicsof black hole and cosmological horizons and singularities using string theory dualitiesand other methods. As a final component of the program he will continue and extend hisrecent work in particle physics in anticipation of the arrival of new data. The BroaderImpact of the proposal will be that the PI will develop a pilot program at NYU to helppromote the success of undergraduates belonging to groups traditionallyunderrepresented in physics and the physical sciences. The program will attempt toovercome the isolation such students often experience by facilitating the formation of apeer group and by providing additional support where necessary. In addition, the PI willlecture at the Physics Club of New York, a public forum consisting of area high schoolteachers and members of the public, and will participate in school tours and interactionswith two particular local high schools.