Abstract

In these lectures, the speaker will discuss recent progress in the study of conformal interfaces, with examples from string theory and from condensed-matter physics. The first lecture will be a general introduction to conformal field theories and AdS/CFT (the holographic correspondence). The second lecture will focus on interfaces in two-dimensional systems (such as junctions or impurities of quantum wires) and on the underlying mathematical structures. In the third lecture, the speaker will discuss interfaces in three and four-dimensional gauge theories. He will explain how these are relevant to the problems of gravity localization and vacuum stabilization in string theory.

The lectures are free and open to all. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
Enquiries ias@ust.hk / 2358 5912
http://ias.ust.hk