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String Theory LEGOs for Black Holes

A.W. Peet, University of Toronto
Perimeter Institute public lecture
06 May 2015

[Amanda Peet's avatar]

Abstract

Four decades ago, Stephen Hawking posed a paradox about black holes and quantum theory that still challenges physicists' imaginations today. One of the most promising approaches to resolving it is string theory, a part of modern physics that has wiggled its way into the popular consciousness. We will describe how the string toolbox allows study of the extreme physics of black holes in new and fruitful ways. Ingredients will include the versatility of strings and (mem)branes, and the idea that the world is a hologram.

Note: about the first 80% of the lecture is pitched at everyone. The last 20% or so is pitched at laypeople who want more detail.

Slides

YouTube video