Kåre Koch Rønnow

Quantum Gravity

Supervisor: Dmitri Fedorov

Date student colloquium: mandag 8 maj kl. 14.15-15.00

Gravity is the last of the four fundamental forces to be quantized. Quantization of gravity is one of the major unsolved problems in theoretical physics. Quantum gravity is a unification of general relativity which is applicable at large scales and quantum mechanics which applicable at small scales. Having a theory of quantum gravity will have a wide range of implications from the Big Bang and Black Holes to the Standard Model. Solving the problem of quantum gravity is also a necessary step for the theory of everything.

In this colloquium I will explain what makes gravity so unique; which requirements a quantum gravity theory must satisfy; and which problems must be solved. I will also describe a couple of approaches to quantum gravity which represent some of the general ideas of the many solutions suggested, and explain how they have delt with the problems.

Note: This colloquium will be in English and international students are very welcome.