Welcome to Summer Physics Colloquium

by Prof Ubirajara van Kolck, Université Paris-Sud and University of Arizona

Date and time: 19th of June at 15:15. Coffee will be served from 14:45
Location: Euler lecture room

Abstract

Much theory building in particle physics (and some discussion in theology...) revolves around the possibility that certain physical parameters are fine-tuned to yield the world we live in.

A famous example of fine-tuning is the smallness of the resonance energy in the triple-alpha reaction, which is crucial for the observed abundances of carbon and oxigen in the universe. Fine-tuning is best formulated in the framework of effective field theories (EFTs), which I will introduce together with the concept of naturalness.

Using EFT, I will present our current understanding of the emergence of an anomalously small nuclear scale, show examples of the rich physics it generates, and discuss plans for further study of nuclear fine-tuning.