It is possible to construct classical models of extra-dimensions based on Field Theory and General Relativity. The goal is to gain deeper understanding into these systems based on tractable and well known theories. In particular, the so-called Randall-Sundrum (RS) models in various dimensions can be modelised as hyper-dimensional topological defects. Our present studies concern the realisation of the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati mechanism inside hyper-dimensional monopoles, in which four-dimensional gravity can be obtained by trapping gravitons.
External collaborators: Antonio De Felice (The University of Tokyo, Japan).
Development of nonperturbative quantisation techniques of gauge theories (Yang-Mills, topological, gravity) and their application to particle physics and quantum field theory at finite temperature (in particular, within the context of superconductivity). Exploration of the consequences of noncommutative geometry in the search for the unification of the fundamental interactions (M-theory and superstrings, quantum gravity).
External collaborators: Frederik Scholtz (National Institute for Theoretical Physics, NITheP, South Africa); Hendrik Geyer (Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, STIAS; University of Stellenbosch, South Africa); Fritz Hahne (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, AIMS, South Africa); M. Norbert Hounkonnou (International Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applications, ICMPA-UNESCO Chair, Benin); Calvin Matondo Bwayi (University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo); Habatwa Mweene (University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia); John R. Klauder (University of Florida, Gainesville, USA); Chris Hamer (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia); Peter Jarvis (University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia).
Quantum diffeomorphic gauge invariance and the total cosmological constant, inclusive of the quantum fluctuations of the gravitational field
