This is a theoretical physics project to calculate some properties of matter at extremely high temperatures (1010 times room temperature) and high densities (1015 times normal). These conditions occurred in the early universe and are recreated in particle accelerators that collide very large nucleii. One part of the investigation will attempt to calculate scattering probabilities directly from thermally- averaged correlation functions. A second part will investigate the physical significance of the wave excitations known as quasiparticles that can propagate at ultra-high temperature. These calculations will help test how successful the so called, "standard model" of elementary particles is when applied to extreme conditions. The standard model is a theory which has very successfully described the behavior of the elementary particle constituents of matter under non-extreme conditions. It will be very interesting if it also succeeds at extreme temperatures and densities.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Physics (PHY)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9008431
Program Officer
Boris J. Kayser
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1990-08-01
Budget End
1993-01-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
$31,565
Indirect Cost
Name
West Virginia University Research Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Morgantown
State
WV
Country
United States
Zip Code
26506