Applied Mathematics at Western

Theoretical Physics
Elementary Particle Physics, Field Theory, and Gravitational Physics

For condensed matter theory: click here

Theoretical high energy physics, broadly defined, is the study of how the most fundamental constituents of nature interact with each other. Although traditionally this field has addressed the empirically-known subatomic particle interactions [quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the strong interaction force which binds quarks into protons and neutrons, electromagnetic interactions, and the weak interactions which couple neutrinos to subatomic particle currents], recent advances in the field have pointed in the direction of a unified description of particle interactions inclusive of gravity in which the overall dimensionality and structure of space and time play an important role.

Our research group in the Department of Applied Mathematics is quite active over the entire spectrum of this broad field, addressing research topics ranging from the phenomenology of elementary particle interactions, investigations within quantum field theory, and the dynamical breakdown of quantum field theoretical symmetries, to the quantization of gravity, string/brane models underlying known-interaction physics, and the unification of fundamental interactions of nature. Our group has strong ties with other research institutes, including Affiliate and Associate Member linkages with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in nearby Waterloo, Ontario, as well as an institutional linkage with The Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics in Kiev, Ukraine. We have both hosted and participated actively on an annual basis in the MRST (Montreal-Rochester-Syracuse-Toronto) series of meetings in theoretical high energy physics. Our group also plays a very active role in Western's Theoretical Physics Ph.D. program, which embraces Ph.D. students and supervisors from graduate programs in Applied Mathematics, Astronomy, Mathematics, and Physics.

Recent publications of the High Energy Theory Group members: Click here to view