Theoretical Physics

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Theoretical Physics: Supports the development of qualitative and quantitative understanding of fundamental physical systems, ranging from the most elementary constituents of matter through nuclei and atoms to astrophysical objects and the cosmos. This includes formulating new approaches for theoretical, computational, and experimental research that explore the fundamental laws of physics and the behavior of physical systems; formulating quantitative hypotheses; exploring and analyzing the implications of such hypotheses analytically and computationally; and, in some cases, interpreting the results of experiments. Support is given for research and conferences in the following categories: elementary particle physics; nuclear physics; atomic, molecular, optical, and plasma physics; astrophysics and cosmology; gravitational physics, and a broad spectrum of topics in mathematical physics, described below. The effort also includes a considerable number of interdisciplinary grants.In addition, the program supports infrastructure activities such as short- and long-term visitor programs, workshops, and research centers involving the participation of external scientists from universities, national laboratories, and industry, as well as graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.Information for Principal InvestigatorsThe categories listed above have separate Program Directors. These personnel are listed in the MPS/PHY Staff Directory. The names and descriptions are given below:Atomic, Molecular, Optical, and Plasma TheoryThe Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Plasma Theory program supports research in all areas of atomic and molecular structure, electron and atomic collisions, time-dependent interactions with atoms and molecules, quantum optics, and ultracold phenomena in Bose and Fermi gases.Nuclear TheoryThe Nuclear Theory program encompasses the structure and reactions of nuclei and of hadrons in few-nucleon and nuclear environments, and the quark/gluon substructure expressed by QCD. Thrusts include applications to the experimental programs at facilities such as RHIC and the Jefferson Laboratory and to astrophysical phenomena.Elementary Particle TheoryThe Elementary Particle Theory program encompasses different theoretical tools for understanding the interaction of elementary particles at different energy scales. These include String Theory, Quantum Field Theory, Lattice Field Theory, Effective Field Theories, and Phenomenology based on the above theoretical tools. The program supports both formal string theory as well as string theory inspired model building. Predictions for upcoming experiments at the LHC involve Supersymmetric Model building, Grand Unified Theories, as well as high order calculations in the Standard Model (of strong weak and electromagnetic interactions) to sort out what new physics might be discovered at the next generation of accelerators. High precision simulations of QCD processes using lattice gauge theory are also a crucial ingredient for understanding present and future experiments at various colliders. Certain aspects of formal string theory are supported in Mathematical Physics.Mathematical PhysicsProposals to the Mathematical Physics Program are evaluated by a Physics Division Mathematical Physics Panel, composed of physicists and mathematicians expert in the many varied aspects of the field. The areas covered include fundamental quantum theory, quantum field theory, string theory, nonlinear dynamics, fluid mechanics, turbulence, chaos and complexity, and statistical physics. The importance of the mathematics is a critical consideration along with the merit and implications for physics of the applications. A proposal for which the mathematics is mainly computational or standard, though it could be very sophisticated, may be more competitive for funding in another program.Astrophysics and Cosmology TheoryThe Astrophysics and Cosmology Theory program supports proposals that primarily are involved with traditional astrophysics and cosmology as well as more speculative string theory inspired cosmology. Understanding the quarks to cosmos connection has been a recent focus as well as better understanding the implications of the fluctuation spectra of the cosmic microwave background. Extra dimension inspired cosmologies have also been a recent area of interest.Gravitational TheoryThe Gravitational Theory program supports research on classical and quantum gravity theory, including gravitational wave source simulations and other phenomena associated with strong field gravity and the interface between gravitation and quantum mechanics.