Quantum
Information Science (QIS) Seminar
(CSI 991 - 006)
Science Showcase,
Presenter: Paul J. Gayet,
Title: Quantum Theory of Gravity
Abstract: General
Relativity deals with the very large,
and with gravity. Quantum Mechanics deals
with the very small. Calculations and
experiments show that each is correct, but a new theory is required to
unify
the two. There are two candidates set
forth for this-Loop Quantum Gravity, and String Theory.
Calculations predict surprising new phenomena.
Experiments are needed to verify this. However,
the energy levels required for the
experiments are some 15 O greater than that available in the laboratory. The thought is to use the universe as the
experimental laboratory. Possible ways
to do this are to looks at cosmic rays that hit the earth from distant
galaxies, detection of light particles that have traveled billions of
light
years across the universe, and another look at the postulated inflation
theory
of Alan Guth. One possible result is that
there may be modifications made to Special Relativity (which is an
approximation to GR) in the sense that higher energy photons travel
slower than
lower energy photons. Another possible
result is that velocity is absolute rather than relative
About the Author: Paul
Gayet holds a Bachelor Of Electrical Engineering Degree from Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, a Master’s of Engineering Degree from