Novel Conformal Techniques in Quantum Field Theory, Gravity and Supergravity. Conformal symmetry is the maximal spacetime symmetry in relativistic quantum theory. This project will explore the dynamics of those quantum field theories and matter-coupled gravity theories that possess conformal symmetry and have recently been the focus of enormous interest worldwide. Its scientific outcomes will include a deeper understanding of Wilson loops in Yang-Mills theories, scattering amplitudes in conforma ....Novel Conformal Techniques in Quantum Field Theory, Gravity and Supergravity. Conformal symmetry is the maximal spacetime symmetry in relativistic quantum theory. This project will explore the dynamics of those quantum field theories and matter-coupled gravity theories that possess conformal symmetry and have recently been the focus of enormous interest worldwide. Its scientific outcomes will include a deeper understanding of Wilson loops in Yang-Mills theories, scattering amplitudes in conformal gravity and supergravity as well as other conceptual results of major importance to modern mathematical physics, thus placing Australia at the forefront of this research. A rich intellectual environment will be provided for training of Australian PhD students by internationally recognised experts. Read moreRead less
Advances in HIgher Spin Gauge Theory. This project aims to explore the dynamical and geometrical aspects of higher spin gauge theory that have recently become the focus of enormous interest worldwide. Higher spin gauge theory is a unique generalisation of Einstein’s gravitation theory, which possesses maximal gauge symmetry and is a novel candidate for quantum gravity. Expected project outcomes include a better understanding of higher-spin interaction vertices, correlation functions, and other c ....Advances in HIgher Spin Gauge Theory. This project aims to explore the dynamical and geometrical aspects of higher spin gauge theory that have recently become the focus of enormous interest worldwide. Higher spin gauge theory is a unique generalisation of Einstein’s gravitation theory, which possesses maximal gauge symmetry and is a novel candidate for quantum gravity. Expected project outcomes include a better understanding of higher-spin interaction vertices, correlation functions, and other conceptual results of major importance to mathematical physics.Read moreRead less
Relating string theory and particle physics. Currently, string theory is the only consistent candidate to provide unification of gravity with the other fundamental interactions. This project will discover a deeper interplay between string theory and elementary particle physics that would bring string theory closer to the real world.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101498
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Superspace and dualities in supersymmetric field theories, supergravity and string theory. Supersymmetry, supergravity and string theory have represented the most promising frontiers of high-energy theoretical physics. This project will develop new techniques and explore novel dynamical features at the forefront of some of the most exiting fields of fundamental physics.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102204
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Quantum computation and relativistic quantum information. Quantum information theory has profound implications both for practical computing and for our fundamental understanding of the universe. This project will determine the viability of one particular quantum computing platform and also develop theoretical and experimental tools to probe the interface between quantum theory and relativity.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140100633
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,169.00
Summary
Problems in the Langlands Program. The Langlands program is an international research program sitting at the interface of number theory, representation theory, algebraic geometry, and mathematical physics. The aim of this project is to prove three conjectures in this program. Settling these conjectures would lead to significant advances in the Langlands program by strengthening connections between this program and the geometry of loop groups, representations of finite groups, and representations ....Problems in the Langlands Program. The Langlands program is an international research program sitting at the interface of number theory, representation theory, algebraic geometry, and mathematical physics. The aim of this project is to prove three conjectures in this program. Settling these conjectures would lead to significant advances in the Langlands program by strengthening connections between this program and the geometry of loop groups, representations of finite groups, and representations of affine Kac-Moody algebras at the critical level.Read moreRead less
Quantum invariants and hyperbolic manifolds in three-dimensional topology. The project aims to broaden our understanding of three-dimensional (3-D) spaces, including spaces that arise in engineering, microbiology and physics. It is known that all 3-D spaces can be decomposed into geometric pieces. The most common type of geometry is hyperbolic. It is also known that such spaces have algebraic structures arising from quantum physics, known as quantum invariants. Several important conjectures, bas ....Quantum invariants and hyperbolic manifolds in three-dimensional topology. The project aims to broaden our understanding of three-dimensional (3-D) spaces, including spaces that arise in engineering, microbiology and physics. It is known that all 3-D spaces can be decomposed into geometric pieces. The most common type of geometry is hyperbolic. It is also known that such spaces have algebraic structures arising from quantum physics, known as quantum invariants. Several important conjectures, based on developments in physics, assert that hyperbolic geometry and quantum invariants are deeply related, but they remain unproved. The project aims to find new relationships between hyperbolic geometry and quantum invariants, advancing our understanding of both areas.Read moreRead less
Ubiquity of K-theory and T-duality. An abstract mathematical tool, called K-theory, has recently found application in two, not obviously related, areas of physics: the classification of D-branes in String Theory, and topological phases in Condensed Matter Theory. This project aims to advance the development of K-theory using ideas from physics. In particular, the project aims to generalise previous constructions, such as T-duality, to loop spaces, and to develop the K-theory relevant to the clas ....Ubiquity of K-theory and T-duality. An abstract mathematical tool, called K-theory, has recently found application in two, not obviously related, areas of physics: the classification of D-branes in String Theory, and topological phases in Condensed Matter Theory. This project aims to advance the development of K-theory using ideas from physics. In particular, the project aims to generalise previous constructions, such as T-duality, to loop spaces, and to develop the K-theory relevant to the classification of topological phases in strongly interacting systems. This project involves postgraduate training as a crucial tool in achieving its aims and enhances Australia's position at the forefront of international research.Read moreRead less
Topology through applications: geometry, number theory and physics. Topology is the part of geometry that remains invariant under deformation (as in the inflation of a balloon). We will apply this flexibility to investigate deep problems in several disciplines as diverse as number theory, geometry and the mathematics of string theory.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101825
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,710.00
Summary
The Algebraic Structure of Logarithmic Conformal Field Theory. Conformal field theory has given rise to a myriad of deep connections between physics and mathematics. Recently a generalisation of conformal field theory, called logarithmic conformal field theory, has garnered a lot of interest. These theories are necessary for understanding condensed matter systems with non-local observables such as percolation or polymers and for string theory on super group manifolds. This project will explore t ....The Algebraic Structure of Logarithmic Conformal Field Theory. Conformal field theory has given rise to a myriad of deep connections between physics and mathematics. Recently a generalisation of conformal field theory, called logarithmic conformal field theory, has garnered a lot of interest. These theories are necessary for understanding condensed matter systems with non-local observables such as percolation or polymers and for string theory on super group manifolds. This project will explore the algebraic structure of logarithmic conformal field theory. Expected outcomes include an improved understanding of how to systematically construct and solve logarithmic theories and will further consolidate Australia's reputation as an international centre for logarithmic conformal field theory.Read moreRead less