Mentor
Dr. Vincent Rodgers
Participation year
2005
Project title

String Theory

Abstract

There are two major theoretical frameworks in which we understand nature. These theoretical frameworks are realized in the very large known as General Relativity and the very small, known as Quantum Mechanics. Unfortunately, in describing the origins of the Universe, the two theories fail individually. This is a problem that has remained unsolved since the days of Albert Einstein. The non-merging of Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity calls for a new theoretical framework. This new theoretical framework is known as String Theory. These are intense calculations regarding the String Theory. One major tool involved in string theory is the Virasoro Algebra. The algebra produces a central extension. A great achievement for theoretical physics is to generalize diffeomorphism anomalies for this algebra in higher dimensions. In spite of rigor and precision of the calculations, String Theory is an incomplete Theory. Theoretical physicists worldwide continue to unify this theory.

Quentin  Collier
Education
University of Iowa