Research
The Centre for Particle Theory has won an international reputation for its research into particle physics. Information about its wide range of research activities can be found below.
Phenomenology is the study of particle physics at energy scales probed by present-day or near future experiments. Our research spans the theory of the entire breadth of the experimental particle physics program and addresses fundamental issues such as the Origin of Mass and the Higgs Boson as well as the Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry of the Universe.
Quantum field theory provides the foundation for modern particle physics. Non-perturbative studies have led to the discovery of remarkable new relationships between seemingly different theories, known as dualities. Our research concerns, for example, instantons in supersymmetric theories, the effect of boundary conditions on two-dimensional field theories, and new approaches to non-perturbative calculations.
String theories are quantum theories where the fundamental object is a one dimensional string. They offer a consistent, unified and finite quantum description of the gauge forces and gravity. Our research involves perturbative and non-perturbative aspects of string theory, especially recent developments involving branes. We also study aspects of early-universe cosmology, which describes the universe as a whole.
Solitons are stable non-singular finite-energy solutions, which appear in a variety of non-linear systems, both classical and quantum. Their stability is often assured by a conserved topological charge. We study models which possess such solitonic solutions, for example models with monopoles, hopfions, skyrmions etc. Solitons and related topological objects are often involved in our other areas of research as well.
The CPT plays host to a number of national and international meetings in Durham. Information about upcoming and recent events.
Publications
Other Research Activities
The CPT is home to the Durham/RAL HEP databases, a collection of useful data. |
Research