New Methods for Gauge and String Theories

Cuny Baruch College, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

The Principal Investigator (PI) proposes to study certain problems in quantum field theory. He is planning further development of a weak-coupling method for the study of QCD in 2 + 1 dimensions. This method has made it possible to prove confinement in anisotropic weak-coupling QCD. The string tension in both spatial directions and the space-like Wilson loop have been evaluated for gauge group SU(2). He will also study of gauge orbit space in (3 + 1)-dimensional QCD. This concerns the Gribov problem in choosing a special set of coordinates and, perhaps more importantly, the further study of the non-compactness of gauge-theory orbit space. Finally he will study a new approach to string theory in which ten-dimensional strings naturally arise as extended objects in four-dimensional field theories. This may circumvent the need for compactification schemes and shed light on the AdS/CFT correspondence. The proposed research would be undertaken with the intention of sharing the results with others working in particle physics at large. The PI will supervise a graduate student who will work with him on some of these topics. The PI will also help coordinate collaborations within the City University system.