PhD project: Strong external fields and non-perturbative physics
Project description
Perturbation theory is one of the most basic and universal tools in quantum field theory and underlies many of the successes of the Standard Model. What happens, though, when perturbation theory does not apply, or breaks down and requires resummation? These are issues which must be confronted in strong field physics.
In a "strong" external field, be it electromagnetic, colour, or gravitational, effective coupling constants becomes large, and so interactions between particles can no longer be treated in perturbation theory. Non-perturbative methods are required to perform calculations and gain access to novel physics.
The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of strong-field physics. We will investigate scattering amplitudes in strong electromagnetic, colour and gravitational fields. There is scope to explore both fundamental properties (analytic structures of amplitudes, double copy relations between gauge theory and gravity) and/or phenomenological consequences (applications to intense laser-matter interactions). The focus will be on going beyond existing models, either via new exactly solvable cases, better approximations, or alternarive methods.
Students interested in this project should demonstrate an aptitude for quantum field theory methods.
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Project supervisor
- Dr Anton Ilderton (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Fundamental Theory.
- Find out more about Particle Physics Theory.
- Find out more about the Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.