Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

This research proposal examines the relationship between quantum mechanics and gravity in a variety of situations. Black hole information and black hole evaporation are studied using model systems from condensed matter which have some of the same features(dumb holes) and using simple models from string theory. These analog systems also are the most promising venues for measuring the black hole quantum radiation. In order to make the results widely available, I am writing a book with Schuetzhold on the subject. I also propose to study quantum processes in the very early universe, especially  understanding the impact of non-linear interactions between gravity and matter perturbations in the early universe.  Prior studies indicate that the cummulative effects of these can be as important as the linear terms in their effect on the gravitational field at long super-horizon scales. A subsidiary interests is the study of the foundations of quantum mechanics, since understanding the limitations of quantum theory is crucial to applying quantum mechanics to the a general relativistic system. This also leads to a continuation of my work in quantum information theory. I also propose to study the generation and effects of gravitational waves from orbiting systems, both analytically and helping the numerical effort.