PHY651M - String Theory (2023-2024)

Lecturer: Mariana GRAÑA

Program

1. Generalities about string theory

1. Why string theory? Problems in quantizing gravity
2. Basics of string theory
3. Worldsheet action

2. Open and Closed bosonic string 

1. Quantization and spectrum 
2. First look at D-branes 
3. String interactions 
4. Massless spectrum and low energy physics 
5. Compactification on a circle and T-duality 

3. Superstring 

1. Fermions on the world-sheet 
2. Type II strings 
3. Heterotic string 
4. Massless spectrum and low energy physics 
5. Second look at D-branes 
6. Strings at strong coupling and dualities 

Bibliography

• Katrin Becker, Melanie Becker and John H. Schwarz (2007) “String Theory and M-Theory: A Modern Introduction”. Cambridge University Press.

• Luis Ibañez and Angel Uranga (2012), “String theory and particle Physics”, Cambridge University Press

• David Tong, “String Theory”, available at http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/string/string.pdf

• Michael Green, John H. Schwarz and Edward Witten (1987) “Superstring theory”, Cambridge University Press.

• Joseph Polchinski (1998) “String Theory”. Cambridge University Press

• Clifford Johnson (2003). “D-branes”. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Elias Kiritsis, (2007) “String Theory in a Nutshell”. Princeton University Press.

The lectures will be mainly based on the first book of the list

ECTS credits: 3