Research Group: Centre for Theoretical Physics Number of Students: 1- Length of Study in Years: 3-4 Full-time Project: yes
In any quantum field theory, the S-matrix - which encodes the scattering amplitudes of the theory - is the most fundamental observable. Amplitudes are directly related to cross sections, which are measured at particle accelerators such as the LHC. Hence a thorough study of the S-matrix is of fundamental importance both on a theoretical and experimental side. In recent years, hidden mathematical structures have been unearthed - structures which are completely obscured by standard perturbative methods. These include the dual superconformal symmetry in N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills (a symmetry of the S-matrix, not manifest at the level of the action), and the colour-kinematics duality and the double copy, which relates non-gravitational scattering amplitudes to gravitational ones in a remarkably simple way. These developments have dramatically improved our understanding of the S-matrix and led to the discovery of new symmetries and dualities, which in turn have triggered the development of novel, and highly efficient techniques to compute amplitudes. Remarkably, some of these results are of direct use to the LHC. This project will focus on the most recent and fascinating developments in this rapidly evolving field.
A solid understanding of Quantum Field Theory, supersymmetry, group theory, and some basic knowledge of General Relativity and String Theory.
SPCS Academics: Andreas Brandhuber, Gabriele Travaglini