String Theory in Only 4-Dimensions

In summary, Sylvester James Gates Jr. has created a version of string theory that does not need extra spatial or temporal dimensions. However, this model has not received as much attention as M-theory due to its increased mathematical complexity and lack of elegance. It is not clear how this theory can be tested experimentally or how it differs from conventional string theory. Some previous versions of string theory in 4 dimensions, such as Liouville strings and matrix models, have faced inconsistencies and are not widely accepted. More information on this topic can be found in the book "Quantum Field Theory of Point Particles and Strings" by Brian Hatfield.
  • #1
QuantumTuba
3
0
Apparently Sylvester James Gates Jr. has formulated a variation on string theory that does not require extra spatial dimensions (or temporal dimensions for that matter). He indicated in his lecture at the 2005 Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College that this model has not received nearly as much attention as, say M-theory, primarily due to the increased mathematical complexity and decrease in "elegance" required to make it consistent in 4 dimensions. I would like to know how such a theory could be experimentally tested, and what observational divergences it would have from conventional string theory. Any thoughts?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you have any link where we could read about that?

Aside of that paper string theories in 4 dimensions have existed almostr from the very beginning of string theory. Youu can find about them within the name "Liouville strings". Also, in the beginning of the nineties, there was a large amount of work in something named "matrix models". Those models (not to confuse with some more recent matrix formulation of M-Theory in flat space times) came from doing a simplicial aproximation of 2-d quantum gravity, or quantum grvity in the world-sheet.

I don´t know too much about these (about the liouville model you could read the cahpter of the book "quantum field theory of point particles and strings" by Brian Hatfield if you have access to it in some library) but the general feeling seems to be that they are plagged of a lot of mostly unsumormable inconsistencies which render them useless.
 
  • #3
Try looking here:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/spires/find/hep/www?author=s.gates&date=after+1994 [Broken]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is string theory?

String theory is a theoretical framework in physics that aims to unify all fundamental forces and particles in the universe. It proposes that the basic building blocks of the universe are not particles but tiny, vibrating strings.

2. How many dimensions does string theory require?

Traditional string theory requires 10 dimensions, but there are variations that propose 11 dimensions. However, a recent theory called "string theory in only 4-dimensions" suggests that only 4 dimensions are necessary for string theory to work.

3. What are the advantages of string theory in only 4-dimensions?

One of the main advantages of string theory in only 4-dimensions is that it simplifies the mathematical calculations and makes it easier to test experimentally. It also provides a more elegant and concise explanation for the fundamental forces of the universe.

4. How does string theory in only 4-dimensions explain the existence of gravity?

In this theory, gravity is explained as the curvature of space-time caused by the vibrations of strings. This means that the force of gravity is not a separate force, but a byproduct of the fundamental interactions between strings.

5. Has string theory in only 4-dimensions been proven?

As with any scientific theory, string theory in only 4-dimensions is still being tested and refined. While it has shown promising results in certain areas, it has not yet been proven to be the ultimate theory of everything. Further research and experimentation are needed to fully validate this theory.

Similar threads

  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
2
Replies
41
Views
8K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top