Speaker
Andres Collinucci
(LMU)
Description
Fourteen years ago, string theory underwent a major paradigm shift when techniques were developed to study the theory in its strongly coupled regime. More specifically, the introduction of D-branes and eventually M-theory opened up windows that relate the different versions of string theory, in different corners of its parameter space.
A year after the idea of M-theory was conceived, Vafa developed what can be thought of as its obscure partner, known as "F-theory". Although it is less understood conceptually, F-theory is a more practical tool for "model building", i.e. for trying to make contact with the standard model. Since 2008, we have seen a revival of F-theory, as new results have emerged in the direction of model building.
In this talk, I will give an overall rough picture of M-theory and F-theory without assuming prior knowledge of string theory. Then, I will summarize the most recent developments in this branch, and put my own research into this context.