7 research outputs found
Running of the Spectral Index and Violation of the Consistency Relation Between Tensor and Scalar Spectra from trans-Planckian Physics
One of the firm predictions of inflationary cosmology is the consistency
relation between scalar and tensor spectra. It has been argued that such a
relation -if experimentally confirmed- would offer strong support for the idea
of inflation. We examine the possibility that trans-Planckian physics violates
the consistency relation in the framework of inflation with a cut-off proposed
in astro-ph/0009209. We find that despite the ambiguity that exists in choosing
the action, Planck scale physics modifies the consistency relation
considerably. It also leads to the running of the spectral index. For modes
that are larger than our current horizon, the tensor spectral index is
positive. For a window of k values with amplitudes of the same order of the
modes which are the precursor to structure formation, the behavior of tensor
spectral index is oscillatory about the standard Quantum Field theory result,
taking both positive and negative values. There is a hope that in the light of
future experiments, one can verify this scenario of short distance physics.Comment: v1: 18 pages, 8 figures; v4: matched with the NPB versio
A Matrix Big Bang
The light-like linear dilaton background represents a particularly simple
time-dependent 1/2 BPS solution of critical type IIA superstring theory in ten
dimensions. Its lift to M-theory, as well as its Einstein frame metric, are
singular in the sense that the geometry is geodesically incomplete and the
Riemann tensor diverges along a light-like subspace of codimension one. We
study this background as a model for a big bang type singularity in string
theory/M-theory. We construct the dual Matrix theory description in terms of a
(1+1)-d supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory on a time-dependent world-sheet given
by the Milne orbifold of (1+1)-d Minkowski space. Our model provides a
framework in which the physics of the singularity appears to be under control.Comment: 25 pages, LaTeX; v2: discussion of singularity of Einstein frame
metric added, references adde
A Matrix Model for the Null-Brane
The null-brane background is a simple smooth 1/2 BPS solution of string
theory. By tuning a parameter, this background develops a big crunch/big bang
type singularity. We construct the DLCQ description of this space-time in terms
of a Yang-Mills theory on a time-dependent space-time. Our dual Matrix
description provides a non-perturbative framework in which the fate of both
(null) time, and the string S-matrix can be studied.Comment: 26 pages, LaTeX; references adde
Holographic mesons in various dimensions
We calculate the spectrum of fluctuations of a probe Dk-brane in the
background of N Dp-branes, for k=p,p+2,p+4 and p< 5. The result corresponds to
the mesonic spectrum of a (p+1)-dimensional super-Yang-Mills (SYM) theory
coupled to `dynamical quarks', i.e., fields in the fundamental representation
-- the latter are confined to a defect for k=p and p+2. We find a universal
behaviour where the spectrum is discrete and the mesons are deeply bound. The
mass gap and spectrum are set by the scale M ~ m_q/g_{eff}(m_q), where m_q is
the mass of the fundamental fields and g_{eff}(m_q) is the effective coupling
evaluated at the quark mass, i.e. g_{eff}^2(m_q)=g_{ym}^2 N m_q^{p-3}. We
consider the evolution of the meson spectra into the far infrared of
three-dimensional SYM, where the gravity dual lifts to M-theory. We also argue
that the mass scale appearing in the meson spectra is dictated by holography.Comment: 44 pages, 2 figures; v2: typos corrected, references adde
Black Holes in Higher-Dimensional Gravity
These lectures review some of the recent progress in uncovering the phase
structure of black hole solutions in higher-dimensional vacuum Einstein
gravity. The two classes on which we focus are Kaluza-Klein black holes, i.e.
static solutions with an event horizon in asymptotically flat spaces with
compact directions, and stationary solutions with an event horizon in
asymptotically flat space. Highlights include the recently constructed
multi-black hole configurations on the cylinder and thin rotating black rings
in dimensions higher than five. The phase diagram that is emerging for each of
the two classes will be discussed, including an intriguing connection that
relates the phase structure of Kaluza-Klein black holes with that of
asymptotically flat rotating black holes.Comment: latex, 49 pages, 5 figures. Lectures to appear in the proceedings of
the Fourth Aegean Summer School, Mytiline, Lesvos, Greece, September 17-22,
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