Research on Gauge Theories, Gravity, and Strings

该奖项资助肯塔基大学Sumit Das教授和Alfred Shapere教授的研究活动。该项目涉及使用弦理论和量子场论技术来理解引力的量子特性和近相变系统的特性。近年来，物理学家发现了弦理论所描述的量子引力与传统量子系统之间的密切关系。利用弦理论的方法，这一关系已被用于理解许多相当复杂的接近相变系统的平衡和近平衡性质，如超导体或高温重离子碰撞。目前的建议涉及新的方法，将阐明这些系统的性质远离平衡。同时，该提案旨在通过将引力的量子方面与可以使用量子力学的传统方法进行研究的系统联系起来，从而加深对引力的量子方面的理解。在平行方向上，将使用强大的超对称方法对相变及其相关的普遍行为进行分类。该项目更广泛的影响包括培养研究生和博士后的尖端研究技术，并为他们的研究生涯做好准备。研究人员将就他们的研究进行讲座和研讨会，这些讲座和研讨会对所有人开放，并将从他们的研究活动中收集到的想法纳入他们所教授的课程。研究人员还将继续他们的工作，使肯塔基大学的物理课程现代化，并使学生接触到这些学科的前沿研究。

This award funds the research activities of Professors Sumit Das and Alfred Shapere at the University of Kentucky.This project involves the use of techniques of string theory and quantum field theory to understand quantum properties of gravity and properties of systems near phase transitions. In recent years, physicists have discovered an intimate relationship between quantum gravity as described by string theory and conventional quantum systems. This relationship has been used to understand many equilibrium and near-equilibrium properties of rather complicated systems near phase transitions, like superconductors or colliding heavy ions at high temperature, using methods of string theory. The present proposal involves novel methods which will shed light on properties of these systems far from equilibrium. At the same time, the proposal aims to develop a deeper understanding of the quantum aspects of gravity by relating such aspects to systems which can be investigated using conventional methods of quantum mechanics. In a parallel direction, powerful methods of supersymmetry will be used to classify phase transitions and their related universal behavior.The broader impacts of this project include the training of graduate students and postdocs in cutting-edge research techniques and preparing them for research careers. The investigators will give lectures and seminars on their research which are open to all, and will incorporate ideas gleaned from their research activities in the courses they teach. The investigators will also continue their work to modernize the University of Kentucky's physics curriculum and to bring its students into contact with frontier research in these subjects.