New physics meets the strong force

The aim of my research is to theoretically develop and then computationally implement methods for predicting the behavior of fundamental particles. I achieve this primarily by extending the reach of a method called lattice field theory. Lattice field theory is a specific way of defining a quantum field theory that is well-suited to numerical computations using high performance computing. Quantum field theory, in turn, is a flexible framework for the mathematical description of a wide range of physical systems. This includes a particular quantum field theory, known as the Standard Model, which is an overwhelmingly successful description of all particles and forces ever discovered.

By applying numerical lattice field theory to the Standard Model, it is possible to provide pre- and post-dictions for experiments being performed worldwide. This includes experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, such as the LHCb experiment, which recently measured the violation of a fundamental symmetry (the symmetry of mirroring particles and flipping their electric charges). My research will open the door to understanding whether this symmetry violation is hidden within the Standard Model, or is evidence for new particles and forces yet to be discovered. Similar methods can be used to explore many other results from LHCb and other experiments, such as Belle II at the SuperKEKB accelerator in Japan, which is dedicated to measuring parameters relevant to the weak force, a part of the Standard Model expected to be particularly important in the hunt for new particles and forces.

In addition to exploring the quantum field theory of the Standard Model, it is possible to define alternative quantum field theories with exotic and interesting properties that could describe observations that we know do not fit the otherwise very successful Standard Model paradigm. An impressive example in this category is dark matter, a material that is gravitationally observed to fill the known universe, but whose nature and properties otherwise remain mysterious. Experiments such as LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ), XENON, and PandaX are dedicated to the direct detection of dark matter particles. I am collaborating on lattice field theory calculations that will be useful both for interpreting the results when these experiments are successful, and for understanding the constraints that arise from non-detection with increasing sensitivity.

In addition, because numerical lattice field theory makes use of advanced numerical data analysis techniques, it benefits from and contributes to an interplay with other numerical fields. This also plays an important role in my own work. An example of this is a technique known as the Backus-Gilbert method. Originally developed for geophysics, this is an algorithm for solving so-called inverse problems, in which observed effects are used to infer underlying causes. In lattice field theory, it can be used to extract predictions for processes involving high-energy collisions that produce many particles. The specific methods I have worked on to extend the reach of this approach have potential applications beyond particle physics, for example in areas such as medical imaging for image reconstruction, and in environmental science for interpretation of seismic data.

In summary, my research makes it possible to predict and understand the behaviour fundamental particles, explores the Standard Model and theories beyond, and uncovers synergies across different branches of computational science and data analysis.