Particles, Fields and Spacetime
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Mathematical Sciences
Abstract
All matter in the universe and the fundamental forces apart from gravity appear to be well described by particle theories, in which the fundamental components of matter are pointlike particles, which interact by exchanging other kinds of particles. Quantum field theory is the mathematical language describing these particle theories; the particles describing forces are described by a class of theories called gauge theories. A practical understanding of quantum field theory, which enables us to do calculations in many circumstances of interest, was constructed more than fifty years ago; however we still do not have a complete understanding of the structures implicit in quantum field theory, and recent work has opened up radically different approaches to doing calculations. It has been understood that certain gauge theories have additional previously unsuspected symmetries, which explain the mysterious simplicity of some computational results. This has been developed to obtain more efficient calculational techniques for increasingly general questions. In an independent line, a symmetry called conformal symmetry has been newly exploited to constrain the particle content and interactions of theories with this symmetry. We aim to develop these tools further and bring them together, leading to a deeper understanding of the calculation of interactions of particles in the vacuum. We will also study the theory in situations with finite density, classifying phases of matter. Symmetries play an important role here, and the breaking of symmetries by quantum effects, referred to as anomalies, provides powerful constraints on the phase structure.
It appears we need to go beyond quantum field theory to include gravity. The leading candidate for this extension is string theory, which is based on the idea that the particles are actually one-dimensional loops of string, with the interactions described by smooth surfaces connecting different strings. Work on string theory has led to the discovery that some quantum field theories can be related to string theories in a space with more dimensions; this is referred to as holography. Some difficult questions in the field theory can be mapped to simpler questions in the higher-dimensional space. This also provides a new perspective on string theory, which can be used to deepen our understanding of gravity. We are studying the application of these techniques to field theories used to study interesting new phases of matter, and we are exploring the role of intrinsically quantum mechanical features of the field theory in the emergence of the higher-dimensional geometry.
Cosmology is the study of the universe as a whole. The overall geometry of the universe is expanding on large scales. In the very early universe, there appears to have been a period of exponential expansion, called inflation. We are interested in the behaviour of quantum fields during this inflationary period, which we will investigate using an approach called stochastic inflation. We will also apply holographic methods to the description of the very early universe, enabling us to apply well-developed field theory tools to inflation. Black holes can be produced in the very early universe from fluctuations of the density of matter; we will study the formation and dynamics of these primordial black holes. These may be interesting as candidates for dark matter, a kind of matter required to explain observations of the large-scale dynamics in the universe today.
It appears we need to go beyond quantum field theory to include gravity. The leading candidate for this extension is string theory, which is based on the idea that the particles are actually one-dimensional loops of string, with the interactions described by smooth surfaces connecting different strings. Work on string theory has led to the discovery that some quantum field theories can be related to string theories in a space with more dimensions; this is referred to as holography. Some difficult questions in the field theory can be mapped to simpler questions in the higher-dimensional space. This also provides a new perspective on string theory, which can be used to deepen our understanding of gravity. We are studying the application of these techniques to field theories used to study interesting new phases of matter, and we are exploring the role of intrinsically quantum mechanical features of the field theory in the emergence of the higher-dimensional geometry.
Cosmology is the study of the universe as a whole. The overall geometry of the universe is expanding on large scales. In the very early universe, there appears to have been a period of exponential expansion, called inflation. We are interested in the behaviour of quantum fields during this inflationary period, which we will investigate using an approach called stochastic inflation. We will also apply holographic methods to the description of the very early universe, enabling us to apply well-developed field theory tools to inflation. Black holes can be produced in the very early universe from fluctuations of the density of matter; we will study the formation and dynamics of these primordial black holes. These may be interesting as candidates for dark matter, a kind of matter required to explain observations of the large-scale dynamics in the universe today.
Planned Impact
Our work primarily has an academic impact, through the contribution to knowledge about the fundamental nature of forces and spacetime. This includes impact on related academic disciplines, where connections between different areas such as the holographic relations of field theories to gravity and new calculational techniques can be applied to study a wide range of questions, including aspects of the properties of matter with potential real-world implications. We have an active engagement with outreach activities at local, national and international levels which has an impact on school children and the public at large.
Publications
Abl T
(2022)
Higher-dimensional symmetry of AdS2×S2 correlators
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Abl T
(2021)
Towards the Virasoro-Shapiro amplitude in AdS5×S5
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Adam C
(2022)
Multikink scattering in the ? 6 model revisited
in Physical Review D
Adam C
(2022)
Multikink scattering in the $?^6$ model revisited
Akhond M
(2021)
Magnetic quivers from brane webs with O7+-planes
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Akhond M
(2021)
Factorised 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 orthosymplectic quivers
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Akhond M
(2022)
Exploring the orthosymplectic zoo
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Akhond M
(2022)
Exploring the orthosymplectic zoo
Anabalón A
(2023)
Supersymmetric solitons in gauged $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 8 supergravity
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Anabalón A
(2022)
Supersymmetric solitons in gauged $\mathcal{N}=8$ supergravity
Anabalón A
(2021)
Supersymmetric solitons and a degeneracy of solutions in AdS/CFT
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Anber M
(2023)
Remarks on QCD4 with fundamental and adjoint matter
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Anber M
(2021)
Nonperturbative effects in the Standard Model with gauged 1-form symmetry
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Anber M
(2023)
Noninvertible anomalies in $SU(N)\times U(1)$ gauge theories
Anber M
(2023)
Remarks on QCD$_4$ with fundamental and adjoint matter
Anosova M
(2022)
Phase structure of self-dual lattice gauge theories in 4d
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Anosova M
(2022)
Self-dual U(1) lattice field theory with a ?-term
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Apruzzi F
(2023)
Symmetry TFTs from String Theory.
Apruzzi F
(2021)
Symmetry TFTs from String Theory
Apruzzi F
(2023)
Symmetry TFTs from String Theory.
in Communications in mathematical physics
Arenas-Henriquez G
(2023)
Accelerating black holes in 2 + 1 dimensions: holography revisited
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Arenas-Henriquez G
(2022)
On acceleration in three dimensions
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Armstrong C
(2021)
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 7 On-shell diagrams and supergravity amplitudes in momentum twistor space
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Title | Black hole: life and death |
Description | I participated with Portuguese art collective Plataforma Uma to create an interactive visualization of the process of a black hole evaporating, as part of their online exhibit "The birth of a black hole sounds like a bird chirping". |
Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Impact | Increased interest in black holes. |
URL | https://plataformauma.com/work/buraco-negro-vida-e-morte-eng |
Description | Collaboration on Global Categorical Symmetry |
Amount | £457,835 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 88976 and 888990 |
Organisation | Simons Foundation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United States |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 09/2025 |
Description | Research Fellows Enhanced Research Expenses |
Amount | £112,095 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RF\ERE\210226 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2021 |
End | 12/2022 |
Description | costed extension to URF Enhancement Award |
Amount | £9,846 (GBP) |
Funding ID | CEC19\100252 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2022 |
End | 03/2023 |
Title | Data supporting publication: Bubble nucleation in a cold spin 1 gas |
Description | This data includes the results of computer simulations for the article "Bubble nucleation in a cold spin 1 gas". We simulate vacuum decay in a 3 level system using the Stochastic Projected Gross-Pitaevskii equation and compare this to instanton predictions. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://data.ncl.ac.uk/articles/dataset/Data_supporting_publication_Bubble_nucleation_in_a_cold_spin... |
Description | Simons Collaboration on Global Categorical Symmetry |
Organisation | Simons Foundation |
Department | Flatiron Institute |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am a PI in the Simons Collaboration on Global Categorical Symmetry https://scgcs.berkeley.edu/ |
Collaborator Contribution | I am a PI in the Simons Collaboration on Global Categorical Symmetry https://scgcs.berkeley.edu/ |
Impact | https://inspirehep.net/literature/2621220 https://inspirehep.net/literature/2614216 https://inspirehep.net/literature/2135486 https://inspirehep.net/literature/2089827 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Simons Collaboration on Global Categorical Symmetry |
Organisation | Simons Foundation |
Country | United States |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | I am a PI in the Simons Collaboration on Global Categorical Symmetry https://scgcs.berkeley.edu/ My expertise is on string theory model building and strongly coupled field theories, which complements the expertise of the other PIs. |
Collaborator Contribution | I am a PI in the Simons Collaboration on Global Categorical Symmetry https://scgcs.berkeley.edu/ My expertise is on string theory model building and strongly coupled field theories, which complements the expertise of the other PIs. |
Impact | https://arxiv.org/abs/2112.02092 https://arxiv.org/abs/2203.10097 https://arxiv.org/abs/2204.06495 https://arxiv.org/abs/2208.07508 https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.09570 https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.14068 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Dame Allans School, "The Lectures" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Closing lecture "Branes, Boffins and Black Holes" in inaugural "The Lectures" series at Dame Allans School, Newcastle upon Tyne. Audience of school children, parents and general public. A lot of questions and interest. Advised on studying physics beyond school. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | International Conference on Particle Physics and Cosmology dedicated to Prof. Rubakov memory |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Online contribution "Acceleration and Black Hole Thermodynamics" to meeting commemorating the life and work of Valery Rubakov. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.aanl.am/?p=82&pni=19&lang=en |
Description | London Gravity Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation at London Gravity Meeting "Thermodynamics of Acceleration" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Olentzero Meeting, Bilbao |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited speaker at meeting, "Slow roll with a black hole" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Puzzles in the Quantum Gravity Landscape |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk (Holographic Thermodynamics - C-ing a Black Hole) and Panel member at conference. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://events.perimeterinstitute.ca/event/47/ |
Description | Quantum Gravity and all that - online |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Online talk "Thermodynamics of Acceleration" given in online series |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://qgholqi.inpcs.net/ |
Description | Quantum Spacetime in the Cosmos: from conception to reality |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Plenary talk at conference. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://events.perimeterinstitute.ca/event/39/overview |
Description | Rubakov Symposium: Black Holes and Vacuum Decay Catalysis |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A symposium to honour Prof Valery Rubakov, recipient of the 2020 Hamburg Prize for Theoretical Physics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://indico.desy.de/event/31627/ |
Description | SUSY2022 Plenary Talk: Higgs vacuum decay and primordial black holes |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Plenary talk at the 29th CONFERENCE ON SUPERSYMMETRY AND THE UNIFICATION OF FUNDAMENTAL INTERACTIONS in Ioannina, Greece: "Higgs vacuum decay and primordial black holes" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://indico.cern.ch/event/1083758/ |
Description | Testing Gravity 2023 Invited Talk: Testing higher derivative gravity through tunnelling |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited Speaker at 4th Testing Gravity Conference at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver Canada. The conference brings together leading practitioners in gravity: theory, observation and experiment. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.sfu.ca/physics/cosmology/TestingGravity2023/ |
Description | Werner Israel Memorial Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited speaker at Israel Symposium, to honour the work of Werner Israel, "Walls, Bubbles, and Israel" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://indico.triumf.ca/event/332/ |