Events at Physics |
Events on Tuesday, September 4th, 2018
- Theory Seminar (High Energy/Cosmology)
- Swampland conjectures and their phenomenological application
- Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
- Place: 5280 Chamberlin Hall
- Speaker: Pablo Soler, Heidelberg University
- Abstract: An enormous amount of four dimensional effective field theories, many of them with interesting phenomenological implications, can be obtained from compactifications of string theory. The set of these theories is known as the landscape of string theory. It has been suggested that, beyond this landscape, there exist consistent-looking effective field theories that cannot be embedded into UV complete theories of quantum gravity, in particular into string theory. They are said to belong to the swampland. In this talk I will describe some of the conjectures that define the boundaries of the swampland and implications they have on phenomenology, in particular in models of dark matter and inflation. When applied to axions, the swampland program naturally leads to the study of gravitational instantons and Euclidean wormholes. I will also review some of the properties and puzzles posed by these exotic objects.
- Annual Outreach Open House
- 2nd Annual Physics Outreach Open House
- Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Place: 2241 Chamberlin
- Abstract: The Physics Department outreach program is the oldest in the country. We have immediate need for people to get involved in all aspects, from maintaining websites to making presentations to K-12 students. Wisconsin is a great place to do physics outreach: with a little practice you can inspire a room full of kids to jump up and down while saying “we love physics!”.
- Host: Jim Reardon