Quantum Field Theory

Quantum Field Theory (QFT) is the theoretical framework underlying the standard model of particle physics, a theory which unifies all forces of nature other than gravity, and which reproduces to astonishing precision all terrestrial experiments to date not including gravity. Many of the basic structural features of quantum field theory were developed by physicists at the CTP; the work of Jeffrey Goldstone on Goldstone bosons, Roman Jackiw on anomalies, and Frank Wilczek on asymptotic freedom, as well as the work of emeritus faculty member Francis Low, form an integral part of our current understanding of field theory, and are featured prominently in all textbooks on the subject.

Roman Jackiw is studying possible mechanisms and signatures of CPT violation. Edward Farhi and Robert Jaffe are studying the role that quantum fluctuations may play in stabilizing extended field configurations such as solitons in gauge theories like the Standard Model. Jaffe is also applying field theory methods to the study of the Casimir effect in nanoscopic systems. Here his work overlaps the interests of Leonid Levitov and Mehran Kardar in our Condensed Matter Theory Group. Finally Iain Stewart has developed new types of effective field theory suited for studying complex phenomena in confining gauge theories like QCD.

There is a close connection between quantum field theory and statistical physics; in addition to work on field theory in the CTP, related research is done in the condensed matter theory group. Current postdocs and long term visitors in the CTP working in the area of quantum field theory include: Dan Pirjol, Marco Scandurra and Oliver Schroeder.