Project Info
Gravitation and Gauge Theory, Exploiting the AdS/CFT Correspondence
Alex Flournoy | aflourno@mines.edu
Our fundamental understanding of gravitation has shifted significantly over the last ten years. Where Einstein’s theory of general relativity (always at odds with quantum theory) has reigned supreme, new developments have indicated that gravity might actually have its roots in quantum theory itself. This project will explore the consequence of the holographic-entanglement entropy proposal of Ryu and Takayangi in efforts to derive Einstein’s equations from a non-gravitational starting point. Turning this effort inside out, we may also learn better means of handling strongly coupled quantum field theories by exploiting weakly coupled gravitational theories which are considerably easier to handle.
More Information
Holographic Entanglement Entropy Review: https://inspirehep.net/search?p=find+eprint+1609.01287
Space-time from Entanglement Lecture: http://online.kitp.ucsb.edu/online/fuzzorfire-m13/vanraamsdonk/
Holographic Entanglement Entropy Lectures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1VxAwJiMm8
Lectures on Gravity and Entanglement: https://arxiv.org/abs/1609.00026
Grand Engineering Challenge: Not applicable
Student Preparation
Qualifications
The student should have a solid foundation in general relativity (having completed my PHGN418 course would suffice)
Time Commitment
20 hours/month
Skills/Techniques Gained
The students will master analytic skills on calculations in curved space and entanglement dynamics.
Mentoring Plan
I will be meeting with the student on a weekly basis and having them deliver written reports, prepare a poster and guest lecture in my Physics X topical lecture series.