NFYK16005U Introduction to Gauge/Gravity Duality

Volume 2016/2017
Education

M.Sc. Physics

Content

This course gives an introduction to the foundations and formulation of the gauge/gravity duality which is a correspondence between (supersymmetric) quantum field theories and gravity (string) theories. The first part of the course will introduce the necessary background material and the second part will present the duality along with some of the main tests and applications.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge
At the end of the course, the student will know about:

  • The necessary background material which includes non-abelian gauge theories, large N limit, supersymmetry, conformal symmetry, supergravity, anti-deSitter space times, black holes and D-branes in string theory.
  • The origin of the gauge/gravity (or AdS/CFT) duality, its precise formulation and some of its simplest tests.
  • As an application we will consider the duality at finite temperature and discuss the relation between hydrodynamics of quantum field theory and black holes in gravity.
  • An overview of important generalizations and consequences of the duality will be also be presented.

 

Skills
At the end of the course, the student is expected to:

  • Be able to explain the formulation of non-abelian gauge theories and the large N limit.
  • Be able to explain the concept of supersymmetry, conformal symmetry, superconformal symmetry and the main properties of field theories with such symmetries.
  • Be able to explain the main properties of D-branes and their supergravity and string theory descriptions
  • Be able to explain the properties of anti-deSitter spacetime and black holes in this spacetime.
  • Be able to explain the origin and formulation of the AdS/CFT correspondence.
  • Be able to explain some of the simplest tests of the AdS/CFT correspondence
  • Be able to explain the features and consequences of the AdS/CFT correspondence for finite temperature quantum field theories.

 

Competences
This course builds on the knowledge of,quantum field theory, general relativity and some parts of string theory. The course will provide the students with a competent background for further studies within this research field, i.e. a M.Sc. project in theoretical high energy physics. It will also provide those that plan to continue into experimental high energy physics, or cosmology with the necessary background to understand the main elements of the gauge/gravity duality.
This course will provide the students with tools that have application in a range of fields in physics (including condensed matter theory) and mathematics.

We will use the book:

Gauge/Gravity Duality
Foundations and Applications

 

Martin Ammon, Johanna Erdmenger

Published May 2015, Cambrdige University Press

General Relativity and Cosmology(or equivalent)
Elementary Particle Physics (or equivalent)
Quantum Field Theory (or equivalent)
Introduction to String Theory recommended
Lectures and exercises
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Exercises
  • 21
  • Lectures
  • 35
  • Preparation
  • 149,5
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes
Oral exam, 30 minutes, no preparation time
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More internal examiners.
Re-exam

same as regular exam

Criteria for exam assesment

The highest mark (12) is given for excellent exam performance that demonstrates full mastery of the above mentioned learning goals with no or only minor gaps.

The mark 2 is given to a student who has only minimally achieved the course goals