Understanding the physics of black holes
Researchers were motivated by the profound questions related to quantum gravity and the physics of black holes, also of interest to other researchers. The work includes the development of a number of exactly solvable models related to topological string theory and the description of black holes. This formed part of the EU-funded 'Black holes, BPS states and topological string theory' (BLACK HOLES - BPS) project, led by Dr. Piotr Sułkowski and conducted at California Institute of Technology and University of Amsterdam. Techniques from both mathematics and physics were combined during the project. This included statistical models, algebraic geometry, matrix models, topological recursion, knot theory, Chern–Simons theory and Kontsevich–Soibelman wall-crossing formula. According to the research team, the number of publications produced during the study period exceeded their expectations. In several cases, the team's discoveries have already generated interest in high energy and mathematical physics communities. Additionally, some of their methods have even been successfully applied in the field of biophysics to knotted proteins and the classification of RNA interactions. The models developed during the project are considered important because they illustrate some of the mechanisms behind natural phenomena like black holes. Overall, the project was a great success and will inspire novel developments in modern mathematics and physics research.
