弦理論解明のカギは重力波にあり？

String theory, probably the most dissected theory of quantum gravity in physics, is making a stir once again. But this time it’s because we might have some evidence to prove it.

According to string theory, all particles can be viewed as one-dimensional strings; these strings propagate through space and interact with each other. String theory also predicts the existence of hidden dimensions but the proof has always seemed to elude science. However, a recent paper published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics seeks to confirm the existence of hidden dimensions, thereby directly supporting string theory. Evidence of gravitational waves was discovered by scientists nearly two years ago. Gravitational waves, which were originally hypothesized by Albert Einstein, are essentially ripples of space-time.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics recently published a paper that states two ways in which gravitational waves can be used to confirm the existence of these hidden dimensions. The study explains that if other dimensions do exist, then in all probability, gravity would move through them just as it moves through anything. The paper establishes that identification of large numbers of high-frequency waves and detection of a breathing effect in the shape of the waves is the key to confirm the existence of hidden dimensions. The hidden dimensions, which are most probably tiny, form an integral part of string theory. The confirmation of their existence would finally prove the premise of string theory.

Source:
doi: 10.1088/1475-7516/2017/06/048