1pm AEDT Thursday October 10

Zoom link       Meeting ID: 840 3803 9627        Password: theophys     

Abstract: Quantum mechanics and relativity are two foundational pillars of modern physics that are believed to provide an underlying description of all natural phenomena. Several quantum effects in relativistic systems, especially in the context of the relativistic theory of gravitation, are not fully understood theoretically, as well as lack empirical verification. From the observational point of view, the major obstacle lies in the fact that any detectable gravitational effect manifests through local interactions of macroscopic objects for which quantum effects are notoriously difficult to detect. On the other hand, for microscopic systems where quantum effects are prominent, the gravitational interactions are miniscule and are undetectable with current and feasible future technologies.

 In this talk, I will discuss how global (topological) features of the lowest energy states (the vacuum states) of relativistic quantum systems, rather than their local interactions, predict new phenomena potentially detectable with present experimental technologies. Namely, I will argue for the existence of new particle states and charge and parity (CP) violating interactions within the well-established theories of particle physics (the Standard Model) and gravity (Einstein's theory of General Relativity).