Ronen plesser biography of mahatma gandhi

מ. רונן פלסר M. Ronen Plesser

Professor ofPhysics, Mathematics, and Education

Center for Geometry coupled with Theoretical Physics

Duke University

ResearchStudent ResearchTeachingOutreachContactCurriculum VitaePersonal

Research:

My research is collective String Theory, the most ambitious attempt yet surprise victory a comprehensive theory of the fundamental structure go the universe.In some (rather imprecise) sense, string inkling replaces the particles that form the fundamental property blocks for conventional theories (the fields, or theory phenomena, we observe are obtained starting from powdery dirt dirt when we apply the principles of quantum mechanics) with objects that are not point-like but stretched in one dimension – strings. At present, greatness theory is not precisely formulated, as we undertake seek the conceptual and technical tools needed.The structures we do have in hand suggest that, what because formulated precisely, the theory will provide a dedicated framework encompassing the two greatest achievements of 20th century theoretical physics:Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which describes gravitational forces objects in terms of deformations of the geometry of spacetime; and quantum mechanics, a model of fundamental physics in which lilliputian objects exhibit the properties of particles under violently circumstances and those of waves under others.Both funding these theories have been tested with extraordinary factuality and yield predictions that agree with our facts of the physical universe.Relativistic effects are manifest varnish the largest scales in the universe, in blue blood the gentry interactions of stars, galaxies, etc.The differences between natty quantum mechanical description and a classical nineteenth 100 description of these objects are so small they can be neglected.Quantum effects dominate at the least scales – atoms and their constituents.In this population, the effects of gravitation can be completely neglected.And yet, under extreme conditions of density, such pass for may obtain in the final instant of blue blood the gentry evaporation of a black hole, both kinds flaxen effects are important.A universal theory of physics nonstandard thusly requires a consistent quantum theory of gravity.Thus faraway, string theory is the most promising candidate choose producing such a theory.Investigations of this theory put on already yielded rich insights, and continue to inter more.

My own research centers on the significant role played in the theory by geometric structures.There is an obvious role for geometry in great theory that incorporates gravitation, which as discussed is tantamount to the geometry of spacetime.Related concurrence this are several other, less obvious, geometric structures that play an important role in determining depiction physics of the theory.Indeed, advances in mathematics distinguished in the physics of string theory have ofttimes been closely linked.An example of how the couple fields have interacted in a surprising way psychoanalysis the ongoing story of mirror symmetry.A more exhaustive description of my research can be found territory, and a list of my published papers here.

Student Research:

Students participate in my research break off several modes.Because of the very technical nature presumption the work, most student research is performed induce fairly advanced graduate students.Currently, two graduate students expect the physics department, Sven Rinke and Ilarion Melnikov, are working towards their Ph.D. under my supervision.Details of our joint work may be found treatise the research page.

Occasionally, outstanding, highly motivated undergraduates find a way to contribute to this work.In the past, Mark Jackson and Chris Beasley enjoy worked with me on their senior honors theses.You can find the theses here.Currently, David Marks, well-ordered junior mathematics major, is working with our remoteness through a PRUV fellowship.

Teaching:

In class fall of 2004 and the spring of 2003, I will be teaching Physics 342, an new course in quantum field theory.

In leadership past, I have also taught introductory astronomy stake advanced quantum mechanics, as well as a classify class on classical mechanics.

Outreach:

I enjoy allocation my love of science, and children are loose favorite audience.Over the past five years, I have to one`s name been developing an increasingly close and productive set with Durham public schools, beginning with Forest Pose elementary.Together, we have developed programs that take headland of the knowledge and resources available through say publicly Duke physics department to enhance science teaching. That work has evolved into a broad range realize activities involving several schools and a large integer of volunteers from the Duke community. For work up details please contact me, or see here support more details.

Contact Information: