Theory
The main research interests of the high energy physics theory group include strongly-coupled systems, physics beyond the Standard Model including dark matter models, and quantum gravity. In pursuit of these interests, the group's primary research specialties include lattice gauge theory, string theory, and quantum information theory.
Current faculty members in the theory group include Chris Akers, Oliver DeWolfe, Anna Hasenfratz, and Ethan Neil, as well as Shanta de Alwis (emeritus) and Tom DeGrand (emeritus).
The theory group also hosts the Theoretical Advanced Study Institute (TASI) each summer.
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Lattice gauge theory:
Strongly-interacting elementary particle systems (such as quantum chromodynamics, the theory of the strong nuclear force) can be studied non-perturbatively using the method of lattice gauge theory. These studies often involve numerical calculations on large-scale computing resources, but the emphasis is always on the physical picture and understanding of the physical phenomena. Our group's interests often extend to theories other than QCD which could describe models of new physics beyond the Standard Model, such as composite Higgs or composite dark matter models. Ìý
Quantum gravity and quantum information:Ìý
Unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity is one of the most significant puzzles in theoretical particle physics. ÌýStudying the quantum aspects of spacetimes such as black holes using theoretical tools like the AdS/CFT holographic correspondence sheds light on the ultimate theory of quantum gravity. Approaches to these problems have also benefitted greatly from the use of methods from quantum information theory, and in turn explorations of gravitational physics may lead to new insights and experimental tests relating to quantum information and computation.