Research

The method of mathematical physics can be applied broadly to the whole subject of physics. We are particularly working on problems of mathematical physics that arise in quantum field theories and string theory.

Quantum field theories describe how the elementary particles behave at high and low energies while the string theory is the most promising candidate for the theory of quantum gravity. One interesting fact is that string theory contains various types of branes as solitons, which give rise to a variety of supersymmetric quantum field theories in the context of string theory. This means that the study of string theory and that of supersymmetric quantum field theories almost have the same meaning. It has recently been noticed that these theories contain extremely beautiful mathematical structures, which might suggest that the most beautiful structure is hidden in the most elementary theory.

Our research interest includes supersymmetric quantum field theories in diverse dimensions, their matrix model descriptions, the physics of M2 and M5-branes, dualities in quantum field theories and string theory, and applications of string theory to phenomenology. The following is a partial list of our recent research topics:

  • Matrix model descriptions of 4D N=2 supersymmetric field theories
  • The cosmological constant from non-supersymmetric configurations in string theory
  • Matrix models for M2-branes on various backgrounds and quantum periods
  • The superconformal indices and chiral algebras of Argyres-Douglas theories

We would be happy to work with you on these and other topics and discover novel mathematical physics that is secretly hidden in quantum field theories and string theory.