Gravitational waves in higher derivative theories of gravity Queen Mary University of London in United Kingdom

The School of Mathematical Sciences of Queen Mary University of London invite applications for a PhD project commencing in September 2025.

About the Project

• Supervisor: Prof Pau Figueras
• Funding: Competition funding through QMUL Science and Engineering Studentships, QMUL Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) studentships, or S&E Doctoral Research Studentships for Underrepresented Groups 2025/26, or QM/China Scholarship Council (CSC)
• Deadline: 29th January 2025

Project description

The aim of this project is to develop a mathematical and practical understanding of how to formulate the initial value problem in higher derivative theories of gravity from the point of view of effective field theory (EFT). The theories that we are going to consider are standard general relativity supplemented by higher curvature terms, such as Riemann3. These terms naturally arise as corrections from a microscopic theory of quantum gravity, but the resulting equations of motion are of order higher than two and hence it is not clear how to formulate the initial value problem. The analogous issues arises in relativistic theories of viscous hydrodynamics. In this context, the Israel-Stewart formulation of the theory in principle allows to modify the equations of motion in a way that they are well-posed while still (supposedly) capturing the long distance physics of interest and ensuring that the local entropy increases. Can a similar formulation be devised for higher derivative theories of gravity? In a recent project we have taken the first steps in this directions and shown that it indeed seems to be possible in some particular cases. However, a general understanding is lacking and our formulation only works for a specific case. In addition, no attempt has been made to connect with the recent notions of local entropy currents in higher derivative theories of gravity. The aim of the project will be to implement a Israel-Stewart like formulation of higher derivative theories of gravity based on the electric and magnetic parts of the Weyl tensor that also takes into account the positivity of the entropy current.

For more info on this project read here: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/maths/postgraduate/postgraduate-research/phd-projects/current-phd-projects/gang---prof-pau-figueras/#d.en.994828

Center Details:

The Centre for Geometry, Analysis and Gravitation is a world-leading multidisciplinary research centre on geometric analysis, partial differential equations, topology and all aspects of gravitation. The Centre for Geometry, Analysis and Gravitation is leading the research on gravitational waves and quantum gravity at Queen Mary University of London, and it has become a reference centre in the UK and worldwide. Its members are a unique blend of pure and applied mathematicians working on different aspects of general relativity, numerical and mathematical relativity quantum gravity and gravitational aspects of string theory and holography.

The Centre has received funding from prestigious sources such as the European Research Council (ERC), Royal Society University Research Fellowships, UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, various EPSRC standard grants, STFC Ernst Rutherford Fellowships, and STFC Consolidated grants.

Application

The application procedure is described on the School webpage: www.qmul.ac.uk/maths/postgraduate/postgraduate-research/application-process/ . For further inquiries please contact [email protected]

The School of Mathematical Sciences is committed to the equality of opportunities and to advancing women’s careers. As holders of a Bronze Athena SWAN award we offer family friendly benefits and support part-time study.