Chennai Mathematical Institute

Seminars




11.30 am, Seminar Hall
A topological gauge theory for the entropy current

R. Loganayagam
IAS, Princeton.
30-07-15


Abstract

We focus on the question of how relativistic fluid dynamics should be thought of as a Wilsonian effective field theory emerging from Schwinger-Keldysh path integrals. Taking the basic principles of Schwinger-Keldysh formalism seriously, we are led to a series of remarkable statements and a broad programme relating relativistic fluid dynamics and topological sigma models. Apart from the intrinsic interest for this programme from the non-equilibrium field theory viewpoint, we also emphasise its relevance to various fundamental questions in black hole physics.