Non-relativistic Renormalization Group flows from supergravity

We will uncover and address new features of strongly interacting systems by systematically deforming scale invariant fixed point theories by couplings for operators which explicitly break spacetime symmetries.

Such deformations can induce interesting classes of Renormalization Group flows to low energy theories with applications to diverse physical systems.

Quantifying the properties of these flows along their trajectory, by studying the behaviour of various observables such as spectral functions and quantum entanglement, may lead to new constraints on the scale dependence of quantum field theories, and better informs our understanding of the phase diagram of strongly coupled matter.Presently, there is no satisfactory framework for describing universal properties of Renormalization Group flows from strongly interacting theories deformed by spatially varying couplings.

The primary objective of this proposal is to advance our understanding of such systems and begin assembling this universal framework.

In particular:1) We will establish a new class of interacting quantum field theories which lack Poincare invariance at fundamental scales, yet are under calculational control at strong coupling.2) We will study the energy scale dependence of a wide variety of observables in this new class of theories, using precision techniques based on holographic duality.3) We will build upon our results to extract universal features of such deformations, as well as to develop interdisciplinary connections between these systems and those of relevance in condensed matter and cosmological settings.These objectives will be met by uniting the complementary expertise of the researcher and host supervisor participating in this proposal.

Through collaboration, professional training, and a two-way transfer of knowledge, the research program of the host will be enhanced and the researcher's career potential maximized.