Gravitation, Chern-Simons Extensions, Topology and Solid-state Physics Applications

01.08.2006 - 31.03.2010
Research funding project
Advances in mathematics and physics have often occurred together - the development of Newton's theory of mechanics and the simultaneous development of the techniques of calculus constitute a classic example of this phenomenon. A more recent one is provided by topology on the mathematical side and (quantum) theory of fields in physics. Scientifically, this project is devoted to a novel approach to incorporate topological invariants, in particular the so-called Chern-Simons term, in gravitational physics, its ramifications, and to derive predictions which are testable by future space experiments or astrophysical data. By virtue of Black Hole analogues also applications to solid-state systems will be studied, thus establishing interdisciplinary links between otherwise only loosely connected branches of physics: mathematical physics, gravity, solid-state physics, cosmology and astrophysics. The main goal of this project is the establishment of a long-term collaboration by virtue of the scientific project outlined above. Such a long-term collaboration will be of mutual benefit for MIT and the physics community in Vienna.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • European Commission (EU) 6.FP: MOBILITY - Human resources and mobility Marie-Curie Grants 6.Rahmenprogramm für Forschung European Commission - Framework Programme European Commission Call identifier FP6-2004-Mobility-6 Application number 21421

Research focus

  • Beyond TUW-research focus: 100%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
Allgemeine RelativitätstheorieGeneral Relativity
GravitationGravitation
Chern-Simons-TheorieChern-Simons theory

External partner

  • Massachusetts Institute for Technology

Publications