Particle theory

Abstract:

In cross sections with angular cuts, an intricate pattern of enhanced higher-order corrections known as nonglobal logarithms arises. The leading logarithmic terms were computed numerically two decades ago, but the resummation of subleading nonglobal logarithms remained a challenge that we solve in this Letter using renormalization group methods in effective field theory. To achieve next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy, we implement the two-loop anomalous dimension governing the resummation of nonglobal logarithms into a large-N_{c} parton shower framework, together with one-loop matching corrections. As a first application, we study the interjet energy flow in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation into two jets. We then present, for the first time, resummed predictions at next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy for a gap-between-jets observable at hadron colliders.

Abstract:

We review applications of string theory to cosmology, from primordial times to the present-day accelerated expansion. Starting with a brief overview of cosmology and string compactifications, we discuss in detail moduli stabilisation, inflation in string theory, the impact of string theory on post-inflationary dynamics (reheating, moduli domination, kination), dark energy (the cosmological constant from a string landscape and models of quintessence) and various alternative scenarios (string/brane gases, the pre big-bang scenario, rolling tachyons, ekpyrotic/cyclic cosmologies, bubbles of nothing, S-brane and holographic cosmologies). The state of the art in string constructions is described in each topic and, where relevant, connections to swampland conjectures are made. The possibilities for novel particles and excitations (axions, moduli, cosmic strings, branes, solitons, oscillons and boson stars) are emphasised. Implications for the physics of the CMB, gravitational waves, dark matter and dark radiation are discussed along with potential observational signatures.