NSF-BSF: Theoretical Particle Physics

This award funds the research activities of Professors Csaba Csaki, Yuval Grossman, Liam McAllister, and Maxim Perelstein at Cornell University. Understanding the fundamental laws of nature is within reach. Observations of the cosmos, combined with progress in particle physics experiments on Earth, have opened a window on the quantum-mechanical forces that bind together the elementary constituents of matter. Theoretical work on this subject advances the national interest by preparing the foundations for scientific progress across the quantum frontier. The research areas supported by this award include mathematical aspects of quantum mechanics and gravity, as well as theories of observable phenomena in particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Professors Csaki, Grossman, and Perelstein will study the physics of fundamental particles, including hypothetical particles such as monopoles and axions, and will investigate possible explanations for the dark matter in the universe. Professor McAllister will research ways in which the quantum nature of gravity leaves imprints in observable phenomena. This work will guide the design and interpretation of new experiments. This award will have significant broader impacts: the investigators will mentor graduate students, thus contributing to training the next generation of physicists. The investigators will also give public lectures and colloquia to inspire a deeper appreciation of science in the broader community. More technically, Professor Csaki will investigate non-perturbative effects in quantum field theories, including holographic models of QCD, and will also study the properties of axions and monopoles. Professor Grossman will study quantum forces mediated by neutrinos, examine quantum decoherence in flavor factories, and explore the cosmic neutrino background. Professor McAllister will study compactifications of string theory to four dimensions, as a framework for quantum gravity in our universe, and he will investigate inflationary cosmology, dark energy, dark matter, and axion physics in this setting. Professor Perelstein will carry out theoretical studies of dark matter, including the effects of quantum forces between dark matter particles, and he will develop strategies to apply machine learning to detect anomalies in collider experiments. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.