Grant: Subatomic Physics Envelope - Individual

The Standard Model (SM) is the field theoretical framework for strong and electroweak interactions. The main unresolved problems in this theory [such as the mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking, the mass spectrum of quarks and leptons, the confinement dynamics in quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and QCD dynamics at finite temperature and baryon density] are connected either with still unknown or poorly understood nonperturbative dynamics in quantum field theory. This project will be devoted to studies of nonperturbative dynamics in the following three directions. a) Dynamics in Relativistic Dense matter: It is expected that dense (and not very hot) quark matter can exist in the core of compact stars many of which possess very strong magnetic fields. Consequently, there is additional motivation to study the properties of dense relativistic matter, both with and without magnetic field, in full detail. b) Electroweak Symmetry Breaking and Fermion Masses: Electroweak symmetry breaking is intimately connected with another fundamental problem, the spectrum of mass of quarks and leptons. Since these problems will be the central quest in experimental studies at Large Hadron Collider (CERN), they are of the great theoretical and phenomenological value. I am planning to develop the approach in which the dynamics of the top quark and composite Higgs bosons play the central role. c) Applications of Quantum Field Theoretical Methods in Condensed Matter Systems: It is quite remarkable that relativistic field theories can serve as effective theories in such condensed matter systems as high-temperature superconductors and carbon-based materials, in particular, graphene, a single atomic layer of graphite. Because of potentially fruitful applications of these materials, their importance can be hardly overestimated. I am planning to continue the studies of condensed matter systems by using advanced methods developed in quantum field theory. The emphasis will be on studying the dynamics of graphene and its bilayer ``cousin"", consisting of two closely connected graphene layers. The latter has a great potential for high-tech applications.