Quantum field theory is a quantum mechanical system in which spacetime is fixed. It is harder to incorporate gravity with quantum mechanics because of difficulty in understanding the quantum fluctuation of spacetime itself. It has been the greatest challenges for theoretical physics. But there has been remarkable progress in understanding quantum gravity via AdS/CFT correspondence.
In the realm of physics, there exists an intriguing phenomenon where a single entity can be understood through two entirely different perspectives. One of these viewpoints delves into the realm of wildly fluctuating variables, encompassing quantum fluctuations or thermal oscillations. In stark contrast, the other perspective relies on stable, classical portrayals. Recent developments in the field have unveiled a remarkable duality that bridges the gap between intricate, strongly-interacting quantum systems known as conformal field theories and the gravitational realm of quantum gravity, utilizing spaces known as Anti-de Sitter spaces.
The essence of this duality lies in asserting the equivalence of these two seemingly disparate theories. This equivalence extends to such a degree that a “dictionary” has been constructed, facilitating the translation of calculations performed in one theory to their counterparts in the other. Each element within one theory finds a corresponding partner within the other, establishing a profound interconnection.
A crucial insight into this correspondence emerges from considering the boundary of an anti-de Sitter space, which can be interpreted as the “spacetime” governing a conformal field theory. Strikingly, the boundary of AdS space, acting as the spacetime for the conformal field theory, possesses fewer dimensions than the anti-de Sitter space itself. This remarkable alignment of AdS/CFT correspondence, despite their existence in differing dimensions, stands as an exceptional realization of the holographic principle, a concept that has been met with resounding success.
Juan Maldacena’s revolutionary contributions to the Anti-de Sitter/Conformal Field Theory correspondence have illuminated the profound interplay between the quantum and gravitational realms. This breakthrough has not only deepened our understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe but has also opened doors to new avenues of exploration within the intricate tapestry of theoretical physics. As researchers continue to delve into the complexities of this correspondence, the potential for groundbreaking revelations remains as tantalizing as ever.
