M. B. Green, J. H. Schwarz, E. Witten, Superstring Theory, Ed. Cambridge.
M. Ammon, J. Erdmenger, Gauge/Gravity Duality, Ed. Cambridge.B. Zwiebach, A first course on String Theory, Ed. Cambridge. J. Polchinski, String Theory (vol I and II), Ed. Cambridge.
Learning Objectives
The problem of quantizing gravity. String theory as a possible solution. Corollary: the holographic correspondence between quantum field theories and gravity,
Prerequisites
General relativity and quantum field theory
Teaching Methods
Lectures
Further information
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Type of Assessment
Oral exam on the blackboard, maximal duration 1h30min. The student will be required to present and discuss 2-3 program specific topics. The evaluation:
The student will have to use appropriate language demonstrating an understanding of the main physical processes, and of how the starting assumptions determine the final results. More specific questions could be asked during the presentation of the topics to better determine the level of understanding by the student. The student should be able to do simple calculations in order of magnitude but also fully develop the mathematical model where this has been presented in class.
Course program
Problems with quantization of gravity.
Bosonic string. Ligth-cone quantization. Low energy limit. T-duality.
Superstring theory.
D-branes, effective action and supergravity description.
Anti-de Sitter space. Conformal field theory.
Maldacena’s conjecture.
Holographic renormalization. Calculation of 2 and 3 point functions.
Finite temperature.
Entanglement entropy in conformal field theory and holography.