Higher Line Bundles in Geometry and Physics. This project seeks to develop a theory of geometric objects, `higher line bundles', which realise elements of higher dimensional cohomology groups. In particular this project will develop a theory of differential geometry for these objects, allowing one to interpret differential forms representing cohomology classes as the `curvature' of a higher line bundle. This will have applications in quantum field theory and string/brane theory.
Global aspects of dualities in String Theory in the presence of background fluxes. String Theory, known to the general public as the "Theory of Everything', is currently an extremely active area of research internationally. It has not only stimulated considerable interaction between mathematical physicists and mathematicians, but also increased public interest in science through television programs and books. Unfortunately, the majority of the Australian scientific community has not yet caught ....Global aspects of dualities in String Theory in the presence of background fluxes. String Theory, known to the general public as the "Theory of Everything', is currently an extremely active area of research internationally. It has not only stimulated considerable interaction between mathematical physicists and mathematicians, but also increased public interest in science through television programs and books. Unfortunately, the majority of the Australian scientific community has not yet caught up with these developments. Our recent papers, all published in premier journals in this field, have not only received widespread international attention but have also increased the profile of String Theory amongst Australia's mathematicians and mathematical physicists. The proposed project is expected to continue this trend.Read moreRead less
Twisted K-theory and its application to String Theory and Conformal Field Theory. String Theory is, at present, the only consistent theory of quantum gravity. Recently, twisted K-theory was proposed as the algebraic structure underlying the classification of D-branes, i.e. solitonic extended objects, in certain closed string backgrounds. In this project we aim to advance our understanding of the properties of twisted K-theory in the context of String Theory and Conformal Field Theory. The ult ....Twisted K-theory and its application to String Theory and Conformal Field Theory. String Theory is, at present, the only consistent theory of quantum gravity. Recently, twisted K-theory was proposed as the algebraic structure underlying the classification of D-branes, i.e. solitonic extended objects, in certain closed string backgrounds. In this project we aim to advance our understanding of the properties of twisted K-theory in the context of String Theory and Conformal Field Theory. The ultimate goal is to find the appropriate K-theory classifying D-branes in arbitrary closed string backgrounds or, similarly, classifying boundary Conformal Field Theories. It has already emerged that the K-theory of C*-algebras will play an important role.Read moreRead less
Dualities in String Theory and Conformal Field Theory in the context of the Geometric Langlands Program. The Langlands program ties together seemingly unrelated areas of Mathematics. Recently, in the context of the Geometric Langlands correspondence, novel connections with Theoretical Physics have emerged, thus becoming one of the most active areas of research in both Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Australia has a number of world-renowned experts, including the two CI's, in various aspect ....Dualities in String Theory and Conformal Field Theory in the context of the Geometric Langlands Program. The Langlands program ties together seemingly unrelated areas of Mathematics. Recently, in the context of the Geometric Langlands correspondence, novel connections with Theoretical Physics have emerged, thus becoming one of the most active areas of research in both Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Australia has a number of world-renowned experts, including the two CI's, in various aspects of the Langlands program, and is therefore well-placed to make seminal contributions. Being involved in these new developments is of crucial importance to the health of Mathematics and Theoretical Physics in Australia. An integral part of this proposal is student involvement and postgraduate training.Read moreRead less
Fractional analytic index theory. Atiyah-Singer index theory, for which M.F. Atiyah and I.M. Singer received the 2004 Abel Prize, has stimulated considerable interaction between mathematicians and mathematical physicists. An extension of this theory is Fractional Index Theory, co-invented by R.B. Melrose, I.M. Singer and myself, which has received international attention, having solved a fundamental open problem. A central aim in my research project is to extend our theory to elliptic boundary ....Fractional analytic index theory. Atiyah-Singer index theory, for which M.F. Atiyah and I.M. Singer received the 2004 Abel Prize, has stimulated considerable interaction between mathematicians and mathematical physicists. An extension of this theory is Fractional Index Theory, co-invented by R.B. Melrose, I.M. Singer and myself, which has received international attention, having solved a fundamental open problem. A central aim in my research project is to extend our theory to elliptic boundary value problems. I will assist beginners to navigate to the cutting edge of research through workshops, spring-schools and supervision. Benefits include the enhancement of Australia's position in the forefront of international research.Read moreRead less
Symmetry in Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is a major branch of mathematics studying shape by using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area, especially concerned with the interaction between geometry, differential equations, and symmetry. The mathematical notion of symmetry was already formalised early last century and nowadays lies at the very heart of mathematics and physics. Advances in this area provide essential tools in basic s ....Symmetry in Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is a major branch of mathematics studying shape by using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area, especially concerned with the interaction between geometry, differential equations, and symmetry. The mathematical notion of symmetry was already formalised early last century and nowadays lies at the very heart of mathematics and physics. Advances in this area provide essential tools in basic science and unexpected technological benefits can easily arise (for example, in medical imaging). Fundamental mathematical research is absolutely necessary if Australia is to maintain a presence on the international scientific stage.
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Classification and Invariants in Complex Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is the study of shape using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area. Complex differential geometry refers to geometry based on the complex numbers, generally a rich and intriguing setting. Geometries will be distinguished by the construction of suitable invariants, both algebraic and analytic. Classification problems will be solved by these means. Of particular i ....Classification and Invariants in Complex Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is the study of shape using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area. Complex differential geometry refers to geometry based on the complex numbers, generally a rich and intriguing setting. Geometries will be distinguished by the construction of suitable invariants, both algebraic and analytic. Classification problems will be solved by these means. Of particular interest are geometries with a high degree of symmetry, a critical feature that pervades both mathematics and physics. Twistor theory provides the unifying theme for this project.Read moreRead less
Normal forms and Chern-Moser connection in the study of Cauchy-Riemann Manifolds. This research project is aimed at a systematic study of Cauchy-Riemann manifolds, their holomorphic mappings and automorphisms, by means of a unifying approach based on
Chern-Moser type normal forms. The importance of Cauchy-Riemann manifolds stems from the fact that they bridge complex structure and holomorphy with the Riemannian nature of real manifolds. Construction of an analogue of the Chern-Moser normal form ....Normal forms and Chern-Moser connection in the study of Cauchy-Riemann Manifolds. This research project is aimed at a systematic study of Cauchy-Riemann manifolds, their holomorphic mappings and automorphisms, by means of a unifying approach based on
Chern-Moser type normal forms. The importance of Cauchy-Riemann manifolds stems from the fact that they bridge complex structure and holomorphy with the Riemannian nature of real manifolds. Construction of an analogue of the Chern-Moser normal form for multicodimensional Levi-nondegenerate CR-manifolds and extension of CR-mappings between them are major goals in complex analysis. Identification of Chern-Moser chains and equivariant linearisation of isotropy automorphisms are major goals in geometry.Read moreRead less