Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics

Research within LITP includes a strong focus on fundamental questions about the new physics underlying the Standard Models of particle physics and cosmology, and on the nature and applications of our basic frameworks (quantum field theory and string theory) for attacking these questions. Principal areas of research include: • Biophysics • Condensed matter theory • Cosmology • Formal theory • Physics beyond the standard model • "Precision frontiers" • Quantum computing • Quantum gravity Central questions include: • What governs particle theory beyond the scale of electroweak symmetry breaking? • How do string theory and holography resolve the basic puzzles of general relativity, including the deep issues arising in black hole physics and the study of cosmological horizons? • Which class of models of inflationary cosmology captures the physics of the early universe, and what preceded inflation? • Can physicists develop new techniques in quantum field theory and string theory to shed light on mysterious phases arising in many contexts in condensed matter physics (notably, in the high temperature superconductors)? == Faculty ==