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High-Energy Physics at the Frontier with Mathematics

Project description

How the mathematics of scattering amplitudes could help unravel fundamental physics

Quantum field theory provides the mathematical framework for the Standard Model. Each kind of particle is described in terms of a dynamical field that pervades space-time. Amongst the most powerful instruments to extract precise theoretical predictions for physical observables in quantum field theory are the so-called scattering amplitudes: remarkable mathematical objects that encapsulate particle collision probabilities. However, their calculation remains a long-standing mathematical problem. The EU-funded HighPHun aims to extend our understanding of the mathematical properties of scattering amplitudes, thereby helping unravel long-standing puzzles in perturbative quantum field theory. With the new tools that it will develop, it also plans to perform unprecedented calculations of Standard Model parameters to help uncover precious details about the most fundamental laws of physics.

Objective

The discovery of the Higgs boson at the LHC has confirmed the Standard Model of Particle Physics up to the highest energies ever tested in a laboratory. The Standard Model is based on a rich mathematical framework, Quantum Field Theory. Among the most powerful instruments to extract precise theoretical predictions for physical observables in Quantum Field Theory are the so-called scattering amplitudes: remarkably involved mathematical objects which encapsulate the probabilities of particle collisions. The calculation of scattering amplitudes remains an outstanding mathematical problem, which has become the object of intense study both from physicists and mathematicians. In the last decade many unexpected connections have been discovered between distant fields such as number theory, algebraic geometry, string theory and particle physics. These apparently formal developments have proven to be decisive to investigate fundamental physics at unprecedented energies and precisions. HighPHun positions itself in this exciting context and has two major and intertwined goals: 1- To extend our understanding of the mathematical properties of scattering amplitudes and, in this way, help to unravel long-standing puzzles in perturbative Quantum Field Theory. 2- To perform currently out-of-reach calculations in the Standard Model and help to uncover precious details about the most fundamental laws of physics. At the heart of HighPHun is the ambitious goal of combining cutting-edge ideas in physics and mathematics to solve outstanding problems in high-energy physics. The synergies generated by this project will, on the one hand, extend the reach of the LHC and of future colliders searches for elusive signs of New Physics and, on the other, help us develop a deeper mathematical understanding of Quantum Field Theory.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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ERC-STG - Starting Grant

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2020-STG

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Host institution

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
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.

€ 1 502 483,00
Address
Arcisstrasse 21
80333 Muenchen
Germany

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Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

€ 1 502 483,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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