NFYK12003U Quantum Geometry – A Statistical Field Theory Approach
The purpose of this course is to show that the quantum mechanics
of the relativistic particle can be understood entirely
geometrically as a sum over random paths, and that the quantum
mechanics of strings similarly can be understood entirely
geometrically as a sum over random surfaces. In particular this
will lead to an understanding of two-dimensional quantum gravity
coupled to conformal field theories, the only theory we presently
know which couples matter and geometry in a fully consistent way.
Definition of the path integral in quantum mechanics. Application
to relativistic particles and to strings. This covers selected
parts of the book ”Quantum Geometry”.
Skills
The purpose of this course is that the student obtains a basic
understanding of quantum field theory and string theory from a
statistical mechanics point of view, i.e. quantum field theory
represented as a theory of random walks and string theory as a
theory of random surfaces.
In particular, this means that when the course is finished it is
expected that the student is able to:
- understand how to quantize the bosonic and fermionic particles using random walk reprentations.
- understand how to analyse more general random ensembles, like branched polymers and relate them to particle propagation
- understand the concept of random surfaces and how it relates to string theory
- have a basic understanding of the fact that bosonic string theory cannot exist in space-time dimensions larger than two
- understand the essentials of non-critical string theory
- understand how non-critical string theory is related to two-dimensional quantum gravity coupled to matter with central charge less than one
- understand how to define the concept of Hausdorff dimension and the concept of fractal dimensions of an ensemble of geometric objects
- be able to calculate the fractal dimension for random works and for random surfaces.
Knowledge
The student is expected to be able to derive and explain the
fundamental representation of particles and strings in terms of
random geometry as well as the universality of these results.
Competences
This course will provide the students with a competent background
for further studies within this research field, e.g. an M.Sc.
project
Jan Ambjorn, B. Durhuus and T. Jonsson,Quantum: Geometry – A Statistical Field Theory Approach, Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics, 1998
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 0,5
- Lectures
- 48
- Preparation
- 157,5
- Total
- 206,0
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- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 minutesWithout preparation time
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
More internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment
The highest mark (12) is given for excellent exam performance
that demonstrates full mastering of the above mentioned teaching
goals with no or only small irrelevant gaps.
The grade 2 is given to a student who has achieved only minimally
the course goals.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK12003U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- No restriction to number of participants
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Course responsibles
- Jan Ambjørn (7-687469717679754775697035727c356b72)