Project description DEENESFRITPL Upending our understanding of gauge symmetries Gauge symmetries are important for gravity and quantum field theory, including the relativistic quantum mechanics of electrons (quantum electrodynamics). Although gauge symmetries are redundancies in the description of physics, some of them do not vanish at infinity. These are then global symmetries, on a par with rotations or translations; they are known as asymptotic symmetries. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SymCO project will study memory effects or Berry phases associated with asymptotic symmetries, which have so far received poor attention. Researchers will also study field-dependent central charges occurring in asymptotic symmetry algebras of various gauge systems. Project results could overturn our understanding of gauge symmetries and their infrared effects. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective At its core, Nature is described by gauge systems such as electrodynamics and gravitation. Such theories are written in terms of redundant quantum fields, but it was recently realized that some of these redundancies are, in fact, genuine symmetries. The corresponding transformations are known as asymptotic symmetries, a prominent example of which is the intriguing Bondi-Metzner-Sachs (BMS) group relevant to gravitational radiation. Accordingly, the purpose of this project is to study asymptotic symmetries along three axes. Firstly, look for their experimental signatures, such as memory effects or Berry phases. The latter are uncharted territory, so many of their aspects remain to be clarified; besides, their scope goes well beyond high-energy physics, as analogous phases exist in shallow water dynamics. Secondly, address the conceptual issue of field-dependent central charges occurring in asymptotic symmetry algebras of various gauge systems; this feature is radically new for symmetries in Nature, and has the potential to overturn many of our preconceptions about symmetries in general. Thirdly, relate representations of asymptotic symmetry algebras to Faddeev-Kulish dressing; this reformulation would open the door to countless applications and to a conceptual leap in our understanding of both particles physics and quantum gravity. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsnatural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsalgebra Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2018 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2018 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE Net EU contribution € 184 707,84 Address Route de saclay 91128 Palaiseau cedex France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Essonne Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
