Quantum Field Theory with a Star

Fri., Nov. 4, 2016 3:00 p.m. - Fri., Nov. 4, 2016 4:00 p.m.

Location: CL 130

Abstract: Quantum Field theory (qft) is a well defined theory, except in presence of black hole holes due to Hawking radiation. Further, in curved space-time, there is no unique qft vacuum. We extend qft to include new operators which are non-unitary, and are called ‘star operators’. These facilitate thermal processes, allowing for Hawking radiation and make the theory compatible with gravity.

Speaker: Arundhati Dasgupta is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy at University of Lethbridge. Her research interests are in quantum gravity, and finding signatures of quantum gravity in nature. She is also active in supporting the cause of women in physics, and is currently editing a Ursula Franklin commemorative Festschrift for Canadian Journal of Physics