Physics: Fully Funded EPSRC & SFTC PhD Scholarship: Quantum Spacetime Geometry Beyond The Horizon

Quantum mechanics and Einstein’s general relativity (GR) are the two major mathematical pillars on which our understanding of the physical world rests. We know the world is quantum, and GR tells us that gravity is curvature of spacetime geometry whose quantum description is largely unknown. This project will leverage recent insights on: (i) black holes and the quantum information puzzle; and (ii) holographic emergence of classical spacetime and gravity in D dimensions from quantum information measures applied to a dual quantum mechanical model in D-1 dimensions; to reveal quantum signatures of spacetime geometry behind the horizon of a black hole, and further aim to explore the physics of spacetime singularities.

The project will use advanced analytical methods in nonperturbatively tractable regimes of:

• Solvable gravity models including e.g. JT gravity and supersymmetric string backgrounds.
• Worldsheet perspective of strings in target black hole spacetimes.
• Analytical and numerical approaches, applied to a dual quantum model which consists of the SYK model of interacting Majorana spins at a point, coupled to e.g. quantum spin chains on the half-line.

We will study highly excited states in the dual model and examine the evolution of certain quantum information measures under the effect of "modular flow". The goal of the project will be to show how modular flow gives an emergent description of the experience of infalling observers in spacetimes with horizons and/or singularities and reveal their quantum and stringy signatures.

Funding Details

Funding Comment

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 will also be available.

Advert information