String theoryTheory of subatomic structureIn physics, string theory is a theoretical framework in which the point-like particles of particle physics are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings. String theory describes how these strings move through space and interact with each other by vibrations. On distance scales larger than the string scale, a string acts like a particle, with its mass, charge, and other properties determined by the vibrational state of the string.
Superstring theorySuperstring theory is an attempt to explain all of the particles and fundamental forces of nature in one theory by modeling them as vibrations of tiny supersymmetricstrings. 'Superstring theory' is a shorthand for supersymmetric string theory because unlike bosonic string theory, it is the version of string theory that accounts for both fermions and bosons and incorporates supersymmetry to model gravity.T-dualityIn theoretical physics, T-duality (short for target-space duality) is an equivalence of two physical theories, which may be either quantum field theories or string theories. In the simplest example of this relationship, one of the theories describes strings propagating in spacetime shaped like a circle of some radius R{\displaystyle R}, while the other theory describes strings propagating on a spacetime shaped like a circle of radius proportional to 1/R{\displaystyle 1/R}.
S-dualityIn theoretical physics, S-duality (short for strong–weak duality, or Sen duality) is an equivalence of two physical theories, which may be either quantum field theories or string theories. S-duality is useful for doing calculations in theoretical physics because it relates a theory in which calculations are difficult to a theory in which they are easier.
Edward WittenEdward Witten (born August 26, 1951) is an American theoretical physicist known for his contributions to string theory, topological quantum field theory, general relativity and various areas of mathematics. He is a professor emeritus in the school of natural sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Witten is a researcher in string theory, quantum gravity, supersymmetric quantum field theories, and other areas of mathematical physics.
Field (physics)In science, a field or field quantity is a physical quantity – represented by a scalar, vector, spinor, or tensor – that has a value for each point in space and time. An example of a scalar field is a weather map of surface temperatures, described by assigning a number to each point on the map. A map of surface winds, assigning an arrow to each point on a map that describes the wind speed and direction at that point, is an example of a vector field.History of string theoryThe history of string theory spans several decades of intense research including two superstring revolutions. Through the combined efforts of many researchers, string theory has developed into a broad and varied subject with connections to quantum gravity, particle and condensed matter physics, cosmology, and pure mathematics.Eleven-dimensional supergravityIn supersymmetry, eleven-dimensional supergravity is the theory of supergravity in the highest number of dimensions allowed for a supersymmetric theory. It contains a graviton, a gravitino, and a 3-form gauge field, with their interactions uniquely fixed by supersymmetry.PhysicsPhysics is the scientific study of matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. It is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines. A scientist who specializes in the field of physics is called a physicist. Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines.
ConsistencyIn deductive logic, a consistenttheory is one that does not lead to a logical contradiction. A theory T{\displaystyle T} is consistent if there is no formulaφ{\displaystyle \varphi } such that both φ{\displaystyle \varphi } and its negation ¬φ{\displaystyle \lnot \varphi } are elements of the set of consequences of T{\displaystyle T}.
PhysicistA physicist is a scientist who specializes in the field of physics, which encompasses the interactions of matter and energy at all length and time scales in the physical universe. Physicists generally are interested in the root or ultimate causes of phenomena, and usually frame their understanding in mathematical terms.
University of Southern CaliforniaPrivate university in Los Angeles, California, USThe University of Southern California (USC, SC, or Southern Cal) is a privateresearch university in Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney, it is the oldest private research university in California and has an enrollment of more than 47,000 students.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.