Studies in Quantum Field Theory and Astroparticle Physics
OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH PLAN: Task 1: Theoretical Research in High Energy Physics Prof. Alford investigated the phases and properties of matter at the highest densities achieved in nature. His main focus was on quark matter and its manifestations and signatures in neutron stars. His work is directly relevant to both the Cosmic and the Energy Frontiers. Prof. Bender developed PT-symmetric quantum theory, which is a complex generalization of conventional Hermitian quantum theory. During the grant period, he constructed and analyzed new PT-symmetric field theoretic models that exhibit symmetry breaking. He also worked on other fundamental problems in theoretical physics. His work falls under the Intensity Frontier classification. Prof. Bernard continued to work on lattice gauge theory and associated issues in chiral perturbation theory. His research focused primarily on the calculation of weak matrix elements relevant to tests of the standard model and the search for new physics at the Intensity Frontier. This work included both direct numerical simulations in QCD and the development of theoretical tools to analyze the simulations and facilitate the comparison with Intensity-Frontier experiments. Prof. Ferrer continued working on dark matter and other topics in theoretical particle cosmology. His research focused on weakly interacting massive particles relevant to both the Cosmic and the Energy Frontiers, and on dark photons relevant to the Intensity Frontier. Prof. Ogilvie continued his work on lattice gauge theory and the phase structure of gauge theories. His research on the properties of confined, conformal and Higgs phases is relevant to the Energy Frontier, as well as addressing fundamental issues of broad theoretical interest. Task 2: Experimental Research at the Cosmic Frontier in High Energy Physics. Over the three year grant period, Profs. Buckley and Krawczynski continued research under the Cosmic Frontier. Prof. Buckley's group worked on two Cosmic Frontier projects (VERITAS and LZ), and conducted research in dark matter science and other areas of particle astrophysics. Buckley’s group worked on the conceptual design of the next generation ground-based gamma-ray experiment (CTA) and on the development of camera electronics for a 2-mirror SCT prototype telescope. Buckley's group also continued work on GaN photodetector detector development as part of the Instrumentation Frontier (Detector R&D) including work with the LAPPD group on the development robust amorphous photocathodes for very large area MCP-based photodetectors and ongoing development of deep UV photosensors for liquid Ar and Xenon Direct Dark matter detection. Prof. Krawczynski's group worked on two Cosmic Frontier topics: astrophysical tests of Lorentz Invariance and CPT symmetries at the Planck energy scale with the VERITAS gamma-ray experiment, and the search for dark matter particles with indirect detection experiments.