Talks

The kinematical framework of canonical loop quantum gravity has mostly been studied in the context of compact Cauchy slices. However many key physical notions such as total energy and momentum require the use of asymptotically flat boundary conditions (and hence non-compact slices). We present a quantum kinematics, based on the Koslowski-Sahlmann representation, that successfully incorporates such asymptotically flat boundary conditions. Based on joint work with Madhavan Varadarajan.

The continued lack of definitive signals at direct detection experiments places many models of weakly interacting dark matter into tension. Direct detection is naturally suppressed in models where the dark matter co-annihilates with another particle in the early universe.  The cosmology, direct detection, and LHC signals of such models can often be well understood by considering only the most relevant low-energy degrees of freedom.  We draw lessons for the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model.