Fundamental Physics Seminar Series - Unimodular JT Gravity and de Sitter Quantum Cosmology

Abstract

In this talk, the speaker will show how a gauge-theoretic approach to Jackiw–Teitelboim (JT) gravity naturally yields a two-dimensional Henneaux–Teitelboim (HT) unimodular theory, applicable to both flat and curved spacetimes. Under a mini-superspace reduction, the Wheeler–DeWitt equation becomes a Schrödinger-like equation admitting a consistent, unitary quantum description. The resulting wavefunction describes a quantum distribution for the scale factor, illuminating cosmic expansion and contraction, and allowing topology change at a=0.


About the Speaker

Mr. Farbod RASSOULI is a second-year PhD student at the University of Nottingham under supervision of Dr. Oliver GOULD and Prof. Paul SAFFIN. He is currently working on twofold: Strong Phase Transition in QFT and Unimodular Gravity in lower dimensions.

He completed his Undergrad at Royal Holloway University of London (2017-2022) and Master in Science in Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forcer at Imperial College London (2022-2023). His research interest includes, quantum cosmology, topology change and phase transition in QFT.

About the Center for Fundamental Physics

For more information, please refer to https://cfp.hkust.edu.hk/.


For Attendees' Attention

Seating is on a first come, first served basis.