Small operators

• Grant number: 20/16337-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): July 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Elementary Particle Physics and Fields
• Principal Investigator: Pedro Gil Martins Vieira
• Grantee: Francesco Aprile
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Teórica (IFT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/24277-8 - Applications of quantum field theory, AP.SPEC

Abstract

The goal of this project is to study the correlation function of small operators in N=4 SYM. Through the celebrated AdS/CFT correspondence these small operators correspond to the lightest string states most notably to the gravitons. Needless to say, computing a graviton scattering amplitude exactly in its full quantum regime is a major open problem in Physics. The four point correlation function of large operators in a four dimensional gauge theory for any value of the coupling will be used as a starting point to slowly reduce the size of these operators one by one in a controlled way. In the end, once all four operators are shrunk to their minimal size we will have obtained the first scattering amplitude of gravitons in a full fledged theory of quantum gravity. Conformal and S-matrix Bootstrap methods will also be used to constrain this important observable. (AU)