Research Supervisor Connect
Associate Professor Archil Kobakhidze.
Over the past several decades, breakthrough theoretical and experimental discoveries have led to the establishment of the Standard Model of particle physics. This theory provides the most accurate fundamental description of physical phenomena; however, it remains incomplete. This incompleteness is clearly indicated by various experimental findings, such as neutrino oscillations and dark matter, as well as theoretical considerations of naturalness and consistency criteria. The search for new physics beyond the standard model has primarily relied on specifically designed theoretical models that describe local interactions of known matter with hypothetical particles. Despite extensive global efforts, no evidence of new physics has emerged so far.
This project proposes a paradigm shift by recognizing that global (topological) features of the vacuum state - the lowest energy quantum state - carry crucial information about the particle spectrum and new interactions. Notably, the existence of fermionic vacuum condensates and the emergence of new particle states in theories with topologically non-trivial θ-vacuum structures can be inferred generically, independent of any specific model. By applying these considerations to Einstein’s theory of General Relativity, we provide theoretical evidence for a theory of spontaneously broken supersymmetry with a distinct particle content [1], along with the emergence of a new particle state, the electroweak ηw, within the Standard Model [2].
With such powerful insights, it is essential to quantitatively explore the implications of these phenomena within current particle physics frameworks. Such studies will fill critical knowledge gaps and advance our understanding toward the potential empirical discovery of new particle states.
Selected publications:
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3704