|
Lance
Dixon |
The Standard Model, physicists' current
theory of matter and the forces of
nature, is imperfect because it omits
gravity and requires 19 input parameters.
A possible alternative is superstring
theory, which includes gravity and
has no input parameters. According
to this "theory of everything," all
elementary particles and forces and
perhaps even the space-time continuum
consist of tiny strings under great
tension, vibrating and spinning in
10 dimensions. But this theory is
very difficult to test or use in calculations.
For it to make sense in the real world
of four dimensions (space and time),
scientists have tried to "hide" the
extra six dimensions by curling them
up into a space so small that it cannot
be probed. Lance Dixon, at Stanford
Linear Accelerator Center, and collaborators
devised a simpler, easier way to hide
the extra dimensions to produce realistic
models. With others, he has used superstring
theory as a calculation tool for improving
theoretical understanding of widely
accepted theories. University researchers
supported by the Office of Science
also have helped establish principles
for constructing a superstring model
that could contain a realistic unified
model of fundamental particles.
Scientific Impact:
This work led to an important partnership
of high-energy physics and differential
geometry research that has generated
new insights into the nature of matter
and driven new research at the forefront
of mathematics.
Social Impact: Eventually,
this research could radically change
human understanding of the constituents
of nature and history of the universe.
Reference: L. J.
Dixon et al., Nucl. Phys.
B294: 43-82 (1987); T. Banks et al.,
Nucl. Phys. B299: 613-626
(1988).
URL:
http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~jpierre/strings/basics.htm
Technical Contact:
Dr. Lance Dixon, lance@slac.stanford.edu
Press Contact: Jeff
Sherwood, DOE Office of Public Affairs,
202-586-5806
SC-Funding Office:
Office of High Energy and Nuclear
Physics |