Black Hole Probes of Automorphic Space

Over the past few years the arithmetic Langlands program has proven useful in addressing physical problems. In this paper it is shown how Langlands' reciprocity conjecture for automorphic forms, in combination with a representation theoretic notion of motives, suggests a framework in which the entropy of automorphic black holes can be viewed as a probe of spacetime that is sensitive to the geometry of the extra dimensions predicted by string theory. If it were possible to produce black holes with automorphic entropy in the laboratory their evaporation would provide us with information about the precise shape of the compact geometry.Comment: Gravity Research Foundation essa

Multifield Reheating after Modular jj-Inflation

In the inflationary framework of cosmology the initial phase of rapid expansion has to be followed by a reheating stage, which is envisioned to end in a radiation dominated big bang. Key parameters that characterize this big bang state are the temperature at the end of the reheating stage and the baryon asymmetry. For general interacting theories these parameters are difficult to obtain analytically because of the involved structure of the potential. In this paper multifield reheating is considered for interacting theories in which the inflaton trajectory is weakly curved. This scenario is realized in the model of $j$-inflation, a particular example of modular inflation, allowing an estimate of the reheat temperature.Comment: 15 pages, improved approximation, added reference

The celestine prophecy: an adventure

Reviewed Book: Redfield, James. The celestine prophecy: an adventure. New York: Warner Books, 1993

Patterns of Speciation and Extinction and the Divine Valuing of Creation

The near-universal concern over the current rate of species extinction must be contextualized, given the occurrence ofprevious mass extinctions during the course of Earth\'s natural history. Current scientific knowledge regarding patterns of speciation and extinction present two challenges to the theologian: 1 ) how to understand God\'s relationship to these patterns; and 2) how to understand God\'s valuation of transient creatures in creation. After reviewing current theories regarding speciation and extinction, the implications for theology are addressed, particularly the need to account for extinction as an undeniable feature of cosmic history