Helgi Rúnarsson successfully defended his PhD thesis "Kerr black holes with scalar and Proca hair". The exam took place at the University of Aveir, on October 9th 2017. The thesis was supervised by Gr@v members C. Herdeiro and E. Radu and former member J. C. Degollado, now at UNAM (Mexico). Congratulations Helgi!
Abstract: The hierarchy problem and the irreconcilability of quantum mechanics and general relativity are two of the most frustrating problems that the Standard Model fails to solve. The existence of extra dimensions, however, would provide the much awaited solutions. If extra dimensions exist and push the Planck scale down to the TeV range, signatures of extra dimensions could be found at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland. Results of TeV-scale gravity searches with the ATLAS and CMS detectors at 13 TeV are summarized, and outlook is provided on the best way forward in the absence of discoveries.
Abstract: A new E8-inspired SUSY GUT theory unifying gauge and Yukawa interactions via unification of color, left-right and family symmetries will be presented. The prominent phenomenological potential of this model in predicting the fermion mass/mixing spectra will be discussed.
Abstract: We show how a novel fine-tuning problem present in the Standard Model can be solved through the introduction of a single flavour symmetry G, together with three $Q = - 1/3$ quarks, three $Q = 2/3$ quarks, as well as a complex singlet scalar.
Abstract: It is well known that discrete symmetries such as CP are not uniquely defined in quantum field theory, and a certain freedom of their definition exists. In particular, the CP transformation can be of order 4, not 2, and still lead to acceptable phenomenology.
Abstract: Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are extreme astrophysical environment that result in copious emission of X-rays. I describe how large archival datasets from X-ray telescopes can be used to search for new physics using the X-ray spectrum of AGNs.
Gr@v member António P. Morais gave a talk at Escola Secundária José Régio in Vila do Conde with title "Do Infinitamente Grande ao Infinitamente Pequeno - uma jornada pelas interações fundamentais na natureza". António was an invited speaker to participate in a sequence of seminars entitled "A Biblioteca convida...", and presented to 11th and 12th grade Science and Technology students the four fundamental interactions in nature and how have they shaped our Universe.
Our group coordinated the "Numerical Relativity and High Energy Physics" IRSES network (2012-2015). Here is a list of the global network meetings organized: