Strongly coupled gauge theories are among the most challenging topics in particle and hadronic physics.  Through both theory and experiment, our understanding is improving continuously.  In this program we will bring together the areas of heavy ion physics, continuum strong QCD, and AdS/CFT methods in a program which will aim to tackle many of the most challenging questions in non-perturbative physics.

From the heavy ion perspective, recent results from RHIC have brought much new knowledge of QCD plasma phenomenology, while the new facilities at the LHC and GSI promise to add vastly more in this direction. The recent surprise has been that there is a regime in which the plasma is strongly coupled and approaching a perfect quantum liquid;  thus theoretical techniques applicable in the strong coupling regime are vital for our understanding of this phase of matter. Gauge/gravity duality is certainly one of the most promising areas which is successfully tackling these new questions. The AdS/CFT correspondence continues to give fascinating results in unexpected directions, most recently in relation to the quark gluon plasma, light-front holography, as well as strongly coupled condensed matter systems. Continuum strong QCD embraces all of the nonperturbative methods and models  which can provide us with an intuitive understanding of strong interaction hadronic phenomena.

All three of these theoretical directions are vital to our continued exploration of strongly coupled gauge theories. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying strongly coupled phenomena, bringing together researchers from the string community, the heavy ion community and the continuum strong dynamics community in what should be a an exciting environment for learning and collaboration. All who have an interest in understanding strong coupling physics will be welcome.

 

For details/reference, please link: http://www.kitpc.ac.cn/program.jsp?id=PR20101011