Conformal symmetry in the Standard Model and Gravity

I will discuss prospects of formulating simple extensions of the standard model and gravity that exhibit local Weyl symmetry in the ultraviolet. The principal advantage of such constructions is that they naturally address the gauge and gravitational hierarchy problem. Furthermore,  I will argue that Cartan-Einstein gravity provides a natural framework for conformal symmetry, as this theory contains torsion vector which can be interpreted as the Weyl vector. One of the main predictions of conformal theories of gravity are torsion waves which can be in principle detected by gravitational wave observatories. Finally, I will also discuss other potential observable consequences of conformal symmetry arising from electroweak symmetry breaking and inflation. 

Dates: 

Tuesday, 5 June, 2018 - 14:00

Salle / Local: 

483 A - Malevitch

Nom/Prénom // Last name/First name: 

Tomislav Prokopec

Affiliation: 

Utrecht University

Equipe(s) organisatrice(s) / Organizing team(s): 

  • Théorie