CAREER: Topics in String Compactifications

弦理论已经成为引力量子理论的主要候选者，即，一个包含了量子力学和爱因斯坦的理论？的广义相对论。剩下的一个挑战是确定与我们宇宙形成有关的一组适当的背景条件，即，将10维弦理论（或11维M理论/超引力）紧致化可以导致非常大量的（非）超对称四维真空。这个提案中概述的项目涉及字符串紧致化的两个重要方面。一方面，PI将研究如何在通量紧致化的背景下找到表现出标准模型光谱的真空。他还将利用宇宙学的限制，如宇宙微波背景辐射，来限制从弦理论得到的暴胀型势。第二种方法是用四维和五维BPS解研究黑洞物理。这将为试图理解黑洞信息之谜提供重要信息。这个建议是非常及时的，因为在接下来的几年里，欧洲核子研究中心的大型强子对撞机（LHC）将开始运行，这将提供标准模型之外发生的有趣信息。此外，利用普朗克卫星对宇宙微波背景辐射进行更精确的观测，将对弦论中可能出现的暴胀情景提供更严格的约束。本提案中概述的项目目标有两个：（1）促进新罕布什尔州大学（UNH）理论粒子物理研究计划的继续和扩展，重点是弦理论，（2）制定一个强有力的推广计划，将粒子物理学的前沿知识带入当地的高中，培养年轻人对科学的热情，同时特别促进物理学的发展。结果从拟议的工作将感兴趣的几个部门的数学和物理界。因此，该项目将促进UNH物理学家和数学家与邻近以及国家和国际机构之间的合作和智力交流。该计划将利用新罕布什尔州大学现有的基础设施与高中互动，并将尖端科学带入当地高中。具体而言，PI将与NSF支持的研究机会合作伙伴关系，以造福教育（PROBE）计划合作，在新罕布什尔州为高中教师组织研讨会，访问当地高中，以便教师和学生能够回答问题，并允许感兴趣的高中生访问UNH学习理论粒子物理学的研究。PI还将参加UNH的高中生暑期项目，ProjectSMART（通过研究培训实现科学和数学成就），并为这些高中生开展粒子物理学和宇宙学方面的丰富讲座和活动。

String theory has emerged as a leading candidate for a quantum theory of gravity, i.e., atheory that encompasses both quantum mechanics and Einstein?s theory of generalrelativity. A remaining challenge is the identification of the appropriate set of backgroundconditions relevant to the formation of our universe, i.e., compactifying the tendimensional string theory (or eleven-dimensional M theory/supergravity) can lead to a very large number of (non-)supersymmetric four dimensional vacua. The projects outlined in this proposal address two important aspects of string compactifications. On one hand, the PI will study how in the context of fluxcompactifications one can find vacua which exhibit Standard Model like spectra. He willalso use constraints from cosmology, such as the cosmic microwave background, to putrestrictions on the inflationary type potentials obtained from string theory. The secondapproach will be made in studying black hole physics in terms of four- andfive-dimensional BPS solutions. This will provide importantinformation in trying to understand the black hole information puzzle. This proposal isvery timely since, during the course of the next few years, the Large Hadron Collider(LHC) at CERN will start running, which will provide interesting information of whatoccurs beyond the Standard Model. Furthermore, more accurate observations of thecosmic microwave background using the PLANCK satellite, will provide even tighterconstraints on the possibleinflationary scenarios arising in string theory.The goal of the project outlined in this proposal is two-fold: (1) facilitate the continuationand expansion of a research program in theoretical particle physics, with emphasis onstring theory, at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), and (2) develop a strongoutreach program taking the frontiers of particle physics into local high schools, thatnurtures the excitement young people have for science in general, while promotingphysics in particular. Results from the proposed work will be of interest to severalsectors of the mathematics and physics community. Thus, this project will fostercollaborations andintellectual exchange between UNH physicists and mathematicians and those fromneighboring, as well as national and international, institutions. The program willcapitalize on the existing infrastructure at the University of New Hampshire forinteractions with high schools and bring cutting-edge science into local high schools.Specifically, the PI will work with the NSF supported Partnerships for ResearchOpportunities to Benefit Education (PROBE)program to organize workshops at UNH forhigh school teachers, visit local high schools in order for both teachers and students tobe able to answer questions, and allow interested high school students to visit UNH tolearn about research in theoretical particle physics. The PIwill also participate in a summer program for high school students at UNH, ProjectSMART,(Science and Mathematics Achievement through Research Training) anddevelop enrichment lectures and activities in Particle Physics and Cosmology for thesehigh school students.