Non-perturbative aspects of quantum field theories with higher derivatives

• Grant number: 24/20883-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Elementary Particle Physics and Fields
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Pazzini de Brito
• Grantee: Gabriel Alexandre Grandchamp Damilano
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEG). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Guaratinguetá. Guaratinguetá , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The current research proposal aims to investigate the non-perturbative sector of field theories with higher derivatives. The primary motivation for such an investigation is the renewed interest in quantum gravity theories based on higher-derivative models. Based on such a scenario, the undergraduate student will explore correlation functions in a scalar toy model with higher derivatives, searching for evidence that the unitarity problem in higher-derivative theories may be resolved from a non-perturbative mechanism.