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.
Supersymmetric quantum field theory, topology and duality. Supersymmetry is universally considered as one of the most fundamental concepts in physics, playing an increasingly central role in recent studies of quantum field theory and string theory. There is a corresponding development of supersymmetry in mathematics and this project will make advances both in 'superphysics' and 'supermathematics'.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100149
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,000.00
Summary
T-duality and K-theory: Unity of condensed matter and string theory. This project aims to uncover deep mathematical structures which underlie recent discoveries at the forefront of string theory and condensed matter physics, using K-theory and T-duality as guiding themes. Inspired by string theory, T-duality techniques and geometric Fourier-Mukai transforms will be developed to study topological phases of matter. Similarly, topological materials motivate the detailed study of real twisted K-theo ....T-duality and K-theory: Unity of condensed matter and string theory. This project aims to uncover deep mathematical structures which underlie recent discoveries at the forefront of string theory and condensed matter physics, using K-theory and T-duality as guiding themes. Inspired by string theory, T-duality techniques and geometric Fourier-Mukai transforms will be developed to study topological phases of matter. Similarly, topological materials motivate the detailed study of real twisted K-theory and T-duality, which are then applicable to orientifold string theories. Anticipated outcomes include a deeper understanding of the theory of topological materials and its connection to string theory, and well-motivated mathematics widely applicable to the physical sciences. This understanding paves the way for novel technological applications.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101647
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Symplectic solvmanifolds and their friends. Symplectic geometry is the mathematical foundation of classical mechanics and quantum theory. The symmetry group of a physical system determines the conservation laws governing its behaviour. This project aims to advance the understanding of a large class of these symmetry groups and their associated symplectic geometries, which are called symplectic solvmanifolds. The project aims to: determine the topological properties of symplectic solvmanifolds as ....Symplectic solvmanifolds and their friends. Symplectic geometry is the mathematical foundation of classical mechanics and quantum theory. The symmetry group of a physical system determines the conservation laws governing its behaviour. This project aims to advance the understanding of a large class of these symmetry groups and their associated symplectic geometries, which are called symplectic solvmanifolds. The project aims to: determine the topological properties of symplectic solvmanifolds as encoded in their fundamental groups; their geometric properties in the form of holonomy groups; and the algebraic properties of their symplectic algebras. The project endeavours to classify the building blocks of symplectic geometry.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
Twisted K-theory, higher geometry and operator algebras. This project aims to develop new theory and techniques linking twisted K-theory, higher-geometry and operator algebras. These are all fundamental areas of mathematics with applications both within mathematics itself and to mathematical physics, particularly in string theory. Anticipated outcomes are fundamental advances in knowledge in mathematics and mathematical physics, enhancement of Australia's international mathematical reputation an ....Twisted K-theory, higher geometry and operator algebras. This project aims to develop new theory and techniques linking twisted K-theory, higher-geometry and operator algebras. These are all fundamental areas of mathematics with applications both within mathematics itself and to mathematical physics, particularly in string theory. Anticipated outcomes are fundamental advances in knowledge in mathematics and mathematical physics, enhancement of Australia's international mathematical reputation and collaborative linkages, and the training of the next generation of Australian mathematicians.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100901
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Deformation quantisation and index theory for semi-simple groups. Deformation quantisation is a mathematical technique for describing the counter-intuitive geometry of quantum physics as a small variation of classical geometry as Newton would have known it. This project will apply the same techniques to solve fundamental mathematical problems in the study of symmetries.
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