New Geometric Structures from String Theory
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Our proposed research is aimed towards discovering the mathematical structures underpinning the fundamental nature of matter, the origins of the universe and the quantum structure of spacetime each of which would be a revolution in science, with possible consequences as far-reaching as they were when matter was shown to be composed of atoms. Just as differential geometry was vital for Einstein's theory of gravity, the mathematics we are investigating could be an essential part of a revolution the formulation of string theory, with possible far-reaching consequences. Theoretical physics has long been central in motivating vital new directions in geometry. Recent research in string theory points to the existence of a rich class of remarkable new geometrical structures. The aim of the research is to develop the underlying unifying mathematics of these structures, laying the foundations for new areas of geometric study using tools and ideas from string theory and gauge theory. It is rare to find a new type of geometry that is both beautiful and tractable. Generalized geometry, introduced by Hitchin, is one such new example, and like others is strongly linked with ideas from physics. The overarching focus of our proposal will be the much larger set of ideas of which this is part, including extended geometries, doubled geometries, flux geometries, non-geometric spaces and holographic structures. We anticipate wide ranging applications across mathematical sciences from geometry and topology to algebra and number theory and mathematical physics.
Planned Impact
The project is blue skies research in mathematics. As such, the social and economic impact of the research is less immediate and direct than in more applied areas.
Our work will have a significant impact on geometry and topology. There will be important applications to string theory, gauge theory and other areas of mathematical physics. We will bring our work to these communities through talks and articles. We will hold two workshops on the subject of this proposal, and one of the aims of these will be to assess and develop the impact and applications of our work to pure mathematics and to physics.
Fundamental scientific breakthroughs lead to technological advance and cultural transformation. Our proposed research is aimed towards discovering the mathematical structures underpinning fundamental physics. Just as differential geometry was vital for Einstein's theory of gravity, our research could be an essential part of a revolution in science, with possible far-reaching consequences. The timescales for this kind of foundational new knowledge about space, time and matter to translate into technological developments are unpredictable and can be long.
Two aspects of the impact of the research are certain. One is progress on the integration of science into culture, which inspires and attracts people, and by our outreach activities will directly benefit society by educating the public, creating the widest possible base of support for science and motivating young people to study science. Members of the team have given popular talks and appeared in the media. We will aim to identify and exploit opportunities to bring the work of our proposal to the public, through public talks and publications.
The second route to impact is through the direct training of young people, PhD students and RAs in advanced mathematical methods and problem solving, developing independence and creativity. The positive impact on the economy is the supply of highly trained individuals with the skills to contribute at the highest level to modern business and industry.
Our work will have a significant impact on geometry and topology. There will be important applications to string theory, gauge theory and other areas of mathematical physics. We will bring our work to these communities through talks and articles. We will hold two workshops on the subject of this proposal, and one of the aims of these will be to assess and develop the impact and applications of our work to pure mathematics and to physics.
Fundamental scientific breakthroughs lead to technological advance and cultural transformation. Our proposed research is aimed towards discovering the mathematical structures underpinning fundamental physics. Just as differential geometry was vital for Einstein's theory of gravity, our research could be an essential part of a revolution in science, with possible far-reaching consequences. The timescales for this kind of foundational new knowledge about space, time and matter to translate into technological developments are unpredictable and can be long.
Two aspects of the impact of the research are certain. One is progress on the integration of science into culture, which inspires and attracts people, and by our outreach activities will directly benefit society by educating the public, creating the widest possible base of support for science and motivating young people to study science. Members of the team have given popular talks and appeared in the media. We will aim to identify and exploit opportunities to bring the work of our proposal to the public, through public talks and publications.
The second route to impact is through the direct training of young people, PhD students and RAs in advanced mathematical methods and problem solving, developing independence and creativity. The positive impact on the economy is the supply of highly trained individuals with the skills to contribute at the highest level to modern business and industry.
Organisations
Publications
Abou-Zeid M
(2019)
T-duality in (2, 1) superspace
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Agarwal P
(2015)
Quiver tails and N = 1 $$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$ SCFTs from M5-branes
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Anderson L
(2017)
More large N limits of 3d gauge theories
in Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical
Anderson L
(2019)
Mass deformed ABJM and $$ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $$ symmetry
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Andriolo S
(2019)
Compact G2 holonomy spaces from SU(3) structures
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Arav I
(2019)
Spatially modulated and supersymmetric deformations of ABJM theory
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Arvanitakis A
(2018)
The exceptional sigma model
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Arvanitakis A
(2018)
The Exceptional Sigma Model
Arvanitakis A
(2017)
Twistor description of spinning particles in AdS
Arvanitakis A
(2019)
Chiral strings, topological branes, and a generalised Weyl-invariance
in International Journal of Modern Physics A
Description | Many technical results on the geometric and algebraic structures underpinning string theory |
Exploitation Route | It will form the basis of further international research |
Sectors | Other |
Description | Imperial Faculty of Natural Science 2014-2017 |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PHTHP53970 |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2014 |
End | 09/2017 |
Description | STFC Consolidated Grant 2014-2017 |
Amount | £1,527,915 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/L00044X/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2014 |
End | 09/2017 |
Description | STFC Consolidated Grant 2017-2020 |
Amount | £1,917,759 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/P000762/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 09/2020 |
Description | Appeared on Channel 4 News talking about the EHTs announcement of an image of a black hole, April 10 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Tv interview |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Appeared on Talk 2 Me Radio on gravity waves |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interviewed about gravity waves |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Discourse at the Royal Institution, Sep 29 2017. Talk title ``Black holes and the fundamental laws of physics". |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This was a talk in a major series of outreach talks held by the Royal Institution. They made a video which currently has 185k views on YouTube |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laKp1XeEF74 |
Description | Disntinguished Alumni Speaker Series UWA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk to broad range of alumni. Much discussion |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Kings College School, Wimbledon, Mar 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 60 pupils attended talk on Higgs boson, Q&A after Education |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Media interview Oc 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interviewed for an article in International Business Times about time travel for Back to the future day Oct 19 2015 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Organised Stephen Hawking Talk at Imperial College |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Organised Stephen Hawking talk at IMperial. 800 people in attendance, over 30,000 people applies for tickets. There was various socal media events associated with this. Directly lead to donations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Outreach Leader for School Visits to Imperial College |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 5 half-day visits from primary and secondary schools to Imperial College London where I led workshops on physics in general with particular focus on my research, area which sparked questions and discussions from, and amongst, the students. These visits were particularly aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
Description | Public talk at KIAS, Seoul, Korea, ``A Brief History of the Science of Stephen Hawking'', Mar 29 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public talk in Seoul - enomrous interest in topic and many questions afterwards |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Radio interview Jan 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Appeared on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire talking about my involvement in the ``Theory of Everything" Jan 16 2015 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Radio interview Nov 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interviewed for Radio Wolfgang about time travel Nov 3 2015 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://www.radiowolfgang.com/s/scienceish/the-time-machine |
Description | School Talk (London) Sep 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talk ``Black Holes, Strings and Superconductors'' |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | School Visit (Richard Atkins primary school) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Visit with 3 other members of the research group to a science fair organised by Richard Atkins primary school with about 10 participating primary schools in south London. Students showcased their science projects and we engaged in discussions and served as judges for choosing the top project in each year group. We also gave talks about research in general, and our research in particular, to each age group. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | School talk Kings Mar 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | School talk - enormous interest |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Talk at ScienceMuseum Lates, Jan 2015. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk ``A Brief History of the Science of Stephen Hawking'' at ScienceMuseum Lates, 28 Jan 2015. Three talks to 120 people each. Very enthusiastic response |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Talk at Arts Club Nov 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Arts Club event "Ecosystems and Risk in Finance" with Lord Robert May, Nov 20 2014 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Talk at Arts Club Oct 2013 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Arts Club event "Contemporary Sculpture and Theoretical Physics" with David Berman and Grenville Davey |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Talk at Imperial College Nov 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk ``Black Holes and the Unity of Physics'', part of the Celebration of the Centenary of General Relativity held at Imperial on Nov 23 2015. About 800 people. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLqBp0YC7tI |
Description | Talk at Kings College School Wimbledon |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talk on gravity waves to about 60 people. Many discussions after. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Talk at NBC studios ``A Brief History of the Science of Stephen Hawking" Dec 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk at NBC studios on ``A Brief History of the Science of Stephen Hawking'', preceding screening for the film \ ``The Theory of Everything'' Dec 2014. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Talk at St Pauls Girls School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 50 Girls discussed black holes and quantum gravity following talk |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Talk at the Imperial College Fringe Feb 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk ``A Brief History of the Science of Stephen Hawking'' at theImperial Fringe before a screening of the ``Theory of Everything'', Imperial College, 19 Feb 2015. Very ntusiastic reponse |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Talk at the Royal Institution |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Takl on Gravity waves to 70 people. They loved it. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Talk for British Science Association Cambridgeshire branch SciScreen event Jan 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk "A Brief History of the Science of Stephen Hawking" preceding a screening for the film ``The Theory of Everything'". It was a British Science Association Cambridgeshire branch SciScreen event, Arts Picture House, Cambridge, Jan 19 2015 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Talk for Mass Interaction |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Discussion on the Beauty of Black Holes. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Talk: A Brief History of the Science of Stephen Hawking, at the ICE Summer Festival, Madingley Hall, Camrbdidge,Jul 9 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 200 people attended the talk prior to a screening of the Oscar winning film "The Theory of Everything" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Talk: Black Holes and the Fundamental Laws of Physics, at Kings College School Wimbledon, Nov 7 2017. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Popular talk on black holes to 6th Form students |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Theoretical Physics consultant for Empire magazine on a graphic for the film ``The Theory of Everything'' Sep 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Made people want to see film |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Theoretical physics consultant for the film ``The Theory of Everything'' 2013 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Film promotes discussion on theoretical physics People think more about theoretical physics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Youtube Channel Scientia Egregia |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Lectures on theoretical physics given in livestreams on Youtube. Viewed on average by 10000 people. Total views >100000 hours. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019,2020,2021,2022 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQFaJoQu0TP7je5HchCNjHA |