Space-like singularities beyond general relativity

ongoing

Space-like singularities, where space-time curvature becomes infinite, pose a profound challenge in modern physics, highlighting the limitations of general relativity and necessitating a quantum gravity framework. Several potential candidates for quantum gravity have been proposed and developed, with String Theory standing out as the most prominent one. At the level of low-energy effective actions, these theories refine the Einstein–Hilbert Lagrangian by introducing specific higher-order terms in spacetime curvature. This proposal seeks to understand space-like singularities in this context. Particularly, I will reformulate the Belinski-Khalatnikov-Lifshitz (BKL) conjecture within generalised quasi-topological gravities. This approach aims to deepen our understanding of the chaotic dynamics near space-like singularities, particularly in black holes and the early universe. The motivation for this research stems from the need to understand space-like singularities, particularly the spacetime dynamics close to it, in an effective theory of quantum gravity. The project involves developing computationally efficient numerical methods to solve the complex equations of motion in generalised quasi-topological gravity coupled with massive tensor fields, focusing on spherically symmetric spacetimes to maintain tractability. We will explore the holographic implications of singularities through the AdS/CFT correspondence, analyzing boundary conformal field theory observables to gain insights into black hole interiors. This dual approach will enhance our understanding of how singularities encode themselves in these observables and provide fresh perspectives on the holographic nature of black hole interiors. The project will be conducted under the supervision of Professor Simon Ross at Durham University. The expected outcomes include significant advancements in theoretical physics, resulting in high-impact publications and the development of new computational techniques.