The Physics of Relativistic Strings: A Confrontation with Real-world Phenomena
With Professor Barton Zwiebach

At our next physics breakfast, Wednesday, April 25th, we will introduce you to Professor Barton Zwiebach who specializes in string theory and theoretical particle physics.  String theory is a model of fundamental physics whose building blocks are one-dimensional extended objects, strings, rather than the zero-dimensional point particles that are the basis of the Standard Model of particle physics.  String theorists hope to unify the known natural forces—gravity, electromagnetic, weak, and strong—by describing them with the same set of equations.

In this talk, Professor Zwiebach will explain the subtle and special properties of relativistic strings.  He will examine how strings aim to describe physical phenomena in the realm of strong interactions.  He will also discuss how the detection of cosmic strings or extra dimensions would be strong evidence for string theory.