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Stringy geometry: quantum corrections and the fate of string compactifications from spacetime and the worldsheet

Project description

Innovative mathematics provide new insight into all things great and small

String theory attempts to bridge the world of the very small – quantum mechanics – and the world of the very large – described by general relativity. It is a theory of quantum gravity that models the point-like particles of our particle world as one-dimensional string-like entities. String compactifications are the mathematical processes that create bridges between higher-dimensional string theories and our four-dimensional world, making it possible to unify quantum theories with observations. The EU-funded StringyGeometry project is deepening our understanding of quantum corrections in string theory through the innovative application of newly developed techniques in differential geometry.

Objective

This project uses newly developed geometric structures to understand quantum corrections in string theory from both a worldsheet and spacetime perspective.

The major goal is to prove that supergravity solutions with flux can be quantum corrected to give consistent string compactifications. I will also investigate whether these new geometric structures can shed light on strongly coupled heterotic worldsheet models. I will do this by combining my experience with the mathematics that underlies flux compactifications with insights from supergravity and worldsheet methods. This will greatly expand my knowledge in both physics and mathematics and bring me into close working relationships with researchers at the University of Chicago and Sorbonne Universite.

The key difference between my approach and existing work is the use of newly developed techniques in differential geometry that provide a unified framework for analysing flux compactifications - in particular, generalisations of G-structures within generalised geometry.

The proposed research tackles a fundamental problem: we do not know whether the many supergravity solutions used in phenomenology or AdS/CFT define honest string theory solutions. One output of this project will be a natural language for stringy corrections - this has applications in formal aspects of string theory and phenomenology, including moduli stabilisation, finding new non-Kahler heterotic solutions and the existence of de Sitter vacua. Progress on any one of these would be an valuable contribution to the most important problems in the field, ensuring the ongoing international competitiveness of theoretical physics in the EU.

The proposed research is interdisciplinary due to considerable overlap with differential geometry and conformal field theory. The proposal includes plans for transfer of knowledge between the applicant and the host institutions, acquisition of new knowledge areas, professional development and outreach.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018

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Coordinator

SORBONNE UNIVERSITE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 257 619,84
Address
21 RUE DE L'ECOLE DE MEDECINE
75006 PARIS
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 257 619,84

Partners (1)

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