How can we test string theory?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for testing string theory through experimental means, particularly focusing on future experiments and existing applications in quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Participants explore various avenues for verification or falsification of string theory, including connections to supersymmetry and specific experiments like those at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about future experiments aimed at testing string theory, suggesting a lack of clear plans.
  • Another participant questions whether string theory can be tested as a complete framework, asking for specificity in the discussion.
  • It is noted that while no direct experiments are planned to test string theory, the theory predicts supersymmetry, which may be investigated at the LHC, although supersymmetry could exist independently of string theory.
  • One participant mentions QCD experiments at RHIC, highlighting that string theory, particularly Maldacena's conjecture, has been used as a tool to explain properties of the quark-gluon plasma and perform complex calculations in QCD.
  • A later reply elaborates on the application of string theory methods to QCD processes, referencing a conversation with a professor who indicated that these methods could enhance calculations relevant to experiments at the LHC.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of testing string theory directly, with some suggesting that while string theory may not be directly testable, it has useful applications in other areas like QCD. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall testability of string theory.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on specific experiments aimed at testing string theory and the dependence on the definitions of terms like "test" and "verification" in the context of theoretical physics.

Chaos' lil bro Order
Messages
682
Reaction score
2
I was wondering what experiments are planned in the future to verify/fallsify string theory. As I am sure there are many experiments being proposed, does anyone know of an experiment that has been approved and slated for a future date?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you test string theory as a whole?

Can you be more specific?
 
I don't think there are any experiments planned which are claiming to directly test string theory. Although string theory predicts supersymmetry which we may find at LHC, supersymmetry could be there also without any strings.
 
What about the QCD experiments in the RHIC? They (press releases) said that string theory, or at least Maldacena's conjecture, was a tool to explain the properties of the quark-gluon plasma and perform the calculations that otherwise would have been impossible to perform within QCD.
 
Thanks, I'll look into them.
 
hellfire said:
What about the QCD experiments in the RHIC? They (press releases) said that string theory, or at least Maldacena's conjecture, was a tool to explain the properties of the quark-gluon plasma and perform the calculations that otherwise would have been impossible to perform within QCD.
I had a chat with a professor last week who mentioned that. Apparently a bunch of methods from string theory for calculating something I don't understand were shown by the ever prolific Ed Witten to have direct application to QCD processes we currently don't have decent ways of calculating but which will be within the power of the LHC to create. The conitations for string theory have kind of fallen away but it's proved itself useful in providing methods for QCD which otherwise might have been a long time in the making.

I think the professor managed to convince a friend to do his PhD in these new processes :cry:
 

Similar threads

Graduate Basic Scheme and Fundamental Equations of String Theory
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
High School Balancing theories and empirical data, especially concerning string theory
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
9K
Graduate Can String Theory Finally Win a Nobel Prize?
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
7K
Graduate String Theory in N dimensions?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad What Shapes Can Extra Dimensions Take in String Theory?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate Sum over backgrounds in String Theory
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad What if unification does not work?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
5K
Graduate Different symmetries or no symmetries in string theory?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Reconciling QM with string theory
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Graduate Quantum Groups as a Generalization of String Theory
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K