The functional renormalization group in quantum field theory in curved spacetimes

• Grant number: 21/07372-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Elementary Particle Physics and Fields
• Principal Investigator: Andre Gustavo Scagliusi Landulfo
• Grantee: Níckolas de Aguiar Alves
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

While Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetimes has solid predictions in situations involving intense (classical) gravitational fields, the so-called Functional Renormalization Group Equation (FRGE) allow us to study non-perturbative aspects of quantum field theories. When applied to the gravitational field itself, it suggests the existence of a non-trivial ultraviolet fixed point in theory space, the so-called asymptotically safe scenario for quantum gravity. Due to its non-perturbative and background-independent nature, the FRGE constitutes a powerful tool to study the non-perturbative aspects of the interaction among quantum fields and gravity. In this master's project, we intend to use the FRGE in the context of semiclassical gravity. As a first application of the formalism, we will study some aspects of qubits/detectors strongly coupled to quantum fields through the FRGE (mainly through the RG-improvement process) in the context of the Unruh/Hawking effect. After this, depending on time, we aim to start studying the problem of backreaction of the quantum fields on spacetime with particular interest on the possible implications of the existence of a non-trivial UV fixed point in such contexts. (AU)