The School of Theoretical Physics invites Leaving Certificate mathematics students to participate in the 2016 Calculus Course – taking place over ten weekends from 1st October 2016.

(more…)

The School of Theoretical Physics, Dublin Institute for Advanced
Studies invites applications for a post-doctoral scholarship in
theoretical physics.

Applicants are welcome from all fields of theoretical physics; however, preference will be given to candidates with a proven research record in Noncommutative Geometry or AdS/CFT.

Previous experience with hybrid Monte Carlo simulations in field theory would be an advantage.

To apply please send your CV along with a short letter of application to vacancies@dias.ie (PDF only).

Once your application has been received you will be sent an application number.

When you have been assigned an application number up to 3 references may be sent in support of your application.

All references must be forwarded by the referee to vacancies@dias.ie quoting your application number.

Closing date for applications is 1 August 2016.

Title: A “Hartle-Hawking” Wave Function in Casual Set Quantum Gravity

Speaker: Sumati Surya (Raman Research Institute)

The 2-dimensional version of causal set quantum gravity has proved to be a useful testing ground for the full theory. It exhibits a phase transition which interpolates between a continuum phase and a "crystalline" non-manifoldlike phase. These phases play an important role in determining the nature of the Hartle-Hawking wavefunction. Combining analytic and numerical techniques we find that the wave function has a low temperature peak over causal sets which exhibit physically interesting behaviour. In particular, they show a rapid spatial expansion with respect to the discrete proper time, as well as a high degree of spatial homogeneity. While our results are limited to 2 dimensions they provide a concrete example of the role played by non-perturbative quantum gravity in generating the initial conditions for our observable universe.

Place: Lecture Room, 1st Floor, School of Theoretical Physics, DIAS, 10 Burlington Road, Dublin 4

Prof. Arthur Jaffe (Landon T. Clay Professor of Mathematics and Theoretical Science at Harvard University) recently gave the Statutory Public Lecture of the School of Theoretical Physics, DIAS. The lecture was held on Wednesday 18th May in the Schrodinger Lecture Theatre at Trinity College Dublin. Professor Jaffe is also Chair of the Governing Board of the School of Theoretical Physics, DIAS.

Watch the lecture here

Professor Arthur Jaffe, Landon T. Clay Professor of Mathematics and Theoretical Science at Harvard University and Chairman of the Governing Board of the School of Theoretical Physics, DIAS

(more…)