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Nikita Nekrasov: Why Physicists Say We Don't Understand Quantum Field Theory
MP3•Episode home
Manage episode 494447394 series 3531008
Content provided by Curt Jaimungal and Theories of Everything. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Curt Jaimungal and Theories of Everything or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
In this episode I talk with Professor Nikita Nekrasov about why quantum field theory remains elusive despite its experimental triumphs. We explore his solution to the Cyberg‑Witten puzzle, the Nekrasov partition function, and the role of exotic four‑dimensional structures in the chemistry of life.
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 01:13 - Understanding Quantum Field Theory
- 04:38 - The Journey to Gauge Origami
- 06:53 - The Story of the Microsoft Partition Function
- 19:12 - Connecting Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory
- 36:43 - The Nature of Instantons
- 45:05 - Exotic R4 and Its Implications
- 49:01 - Dealing with Non-Compactness
- 52:25 - The Emergence of Non-Commutative Geometry
- 1:04:29 - Lessons from Mentors
- 1:20:11 - Language as a Dynamic System
- 1:22:35 - The Concept of Gauge Origami
- 1:30:48 - Insights from Collaboration with Peers
- 1:37:15 - Aspirations for Future Work
- 1:38:15 - Advice for Aspiring Researchers
SPONSORS:
- The Economist (20% off): https://www.economist.com/toe
- YouTube Membership (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal
- Crypto: https://commerce.coinbase.com/checkout/de803625-87d3-4300-ab6d-85d4258834a9
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4
RESOURCES:
- Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com
- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e
- Nikita’s Papers: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bKV59LwAAAAJ&hl=en
- Nikita’s Lecture: https://scgp.stonybrook.edu/archives/44062
- Two Dimensional Gauge Theories [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/9204083
- Richard Borcherds [TOE]: https://youtu.be/U3pQWkE2KqM
- Edward Frenkel [TOE]: https://youtu.be/n_oPMcvHbAc
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [TOE]: https://youtu.be/RX1tZv_Nv4Y
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [Part 2]: https://youtu.be/0AC-Ol1z5vI
- String Theory Iceberg [TOE]: https://youtu.be/X4PdPnQuwjY
- Roger Penrose [TOE]: https://youtu.be/sGm505TFMbU
- Cumrun Vafa [TOE]: https://youtu.be/kUHOoMX4Bqw
- Garrett Lisi [TOE]: https://youtu.be/z7ulJmfFvd8
- Chiara Marletto [TOE]: https://youtu.be/Uey_mUy1vN0
- Debunking "All Possible Paths" [TOE]: https://youtu.be/XcY3ZtgYis0
- Peter Woit [TOE]: https://youtu.be/TTSeqsCgxj8
- Leonard Susskind [TOE]: https://youtu.be/2p_Hlm6aCok
- Seiberg-Witten Prepotential from Instanton Counting [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0206161
- Eva Miranda [TOE]: https://youtu.be/6XyMepn-AZo
- Leptons and Quarks [Book]: https://www.amazon.com/LEPTONS-QUARKS-SPECIAL-COMMEMORATING-DISCOVERY/dp/9814603007
- Brian Greene [TOE]: https://youtu.be/O2EtTE9Czzo
- David Wallace [TOE]: https://youtu.be/4MjNuJK5RzM
- Jenann Ismael [TOE]: https://youtu.be/7kvXihDAOi0
- Claudia de Rham [TOE]: https://youtu.be/hNPMKy6RxCE
- Yang-Mills [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.19097
…
continue reading
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 01:13 - Understanding Quantum Field Theory
- 04:38 - The Journey to Gauge Origami
- 06:53 - The Story of the Microsoft Partition Function
- 19:12 - Connecting Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory
- 36:43 - The Nature of Instantons
- 45:05 - Exotic R4 and Its Implications
- 49:01 - Dealing with Non-Compactness
- 52:25 - The Emergence of Non-Commutative Geometry
- 1:04:29 - Lessons from Mentors
- 1:20:11 - Language as a Dynamic System
- 1:22:35 - The Concept of Gauge Origami
- 1:30:48 - Insights from Collaboration with Peers
- 1:37:15 - Aspirations for Future Work
- 1:38:15 - Advice for Aspiring Researchers
SPONSORS:
- The Economist (20% off): https://www.economist.com/toe
- YouTube Membership (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal
- Crypto: https://commerce.coinbase.com/checkout/de803625-87d3-4300-ab6d-85d4258834a9
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4
RESOURCES:
- Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com
- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e
- Nikita’s Papers: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bKV59LwAAAAJ&hl=en
- Nikita’s Lecture: https://scgp.stonybrook.edu/archives/44062
- Two Dimensional Gauge Theories [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/9204083
- Richard Borcherds [TOE]: https://youtu.be/U3pQWkE2KqM
- Edward Frenkel [TOE]: https://youtu.be/n_oPMcvHbAc
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [TOE]: https://youtu.be/RX1tZv_Nv4Y
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [Part 2]: https://youtu.be/0AC-Ol1z5vI
- String Theory Iceberg [TOE]: https://youtu.be/X4PdPnQuwjY
- Roger Penrose [TOE]: https://youtu.be/sGm505TFMbU
- Cumrun Vafa [TOE]: https://youtu.be/kUHOoMX4Bqw
- Garrett Lisi [TOE]: https://youtu.be/z7ulJmfFvd8
- Chiara Marletto [TOE]: https://youtu.be/Uey_mUy1vN0
- Debunking "All Possible Paths" [TOE]: https://youtu.be/XcY3ZtgYis0
- Peter Woit [TOE]: https://youtu.be/TTSeqsCgxj8
- Leonard Susskind [TOE]: https://youtu.be/2p_Hlm6aCok
- Seiberg-Witten Prepotential from Instanton Counting [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0206161
- Eva Miranda [TOE]: https://youtu.be/6XyMepn-AZo
- Leptons and Quarks [Book]: https://www.amazon.com/LEPTONS-QUARKS-SPECIAL-COMMEMORATING-DISCOVERY/dp/9814603007
- Brian Greene [TOE]: https://youtu.be/O2EtTE9Czzo
- David Wallace [TOE]: https://youtu.be/4MjNuJK5RzM
- Jenann Ismael [TOE]: https://youtu.be/7kvXihDAOi0
- Claudia de Rham [TOE]: https://youtu.be/hNPMKy6RxCE
- Yang-Mills [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.19097
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
329 episodes
MP3•Episode home
Manage episode 494447394 series 3531008
Content provided by Curt Jaimungal and Theories of Everything. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Curt Jaimungal and Theories of Everything or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
In this episode I talk with Professor Nikita Nekrasov about why quantum field theory remains elusive despite its experimental triumphs. We explore his solution to the Cyberg‑Witten puzzle, the Nekrasov partition function, and the role of exotic four‑dimensional structures in the chemistry of life.
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 01:13 - Understanding Quantum Field Theory
- 04:38 - The Journey to Gauge Origami
- 06:53 - The Story of the Microsoft Partition Function
- 19:12 - Connecting Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory
- 36:43 - The Nature of Instantons
- 45:05 - Exotic R4 and Its Implications
- 49:01 - Dealing with Non-Compactness
- 52:25 - The Emergence of Non-Commutative Geometry
- 1:04:29 - Lessons from Mentors
- 1:20:11 - Language as a Dynamic System
- 1:22:35 - The Concept of Gauge Origami
- 1:30:48 - Insights from Collaboration with Peers
- 1:37:15 - Aspirations for Future Work
- 1:38:15 - Advice for Aspiring Researchers
SPONSORS:
- The Economist (20% off): https://www.economist.com/toe
- YouTube Membership (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal
- Crypto: https://commerce.coinbase.com/checkout/de803625-87d3-4300-ab6d-85d4258834a9
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4
RESOURCES:
- Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com
- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e
- Nikita’s Papers: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bKV59LwAAAAJ&hl=en
- Nikita’s Lecture: https://scgp.stonybrook.edu/archives/44062
- Two Dimensional Gauge Theories [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/9204083
- Richard Borcherds [TOE]: https://youtu.be/U3pQWkE2KqM
- Edward Frenkel [TOE]: https://youtu.be/n_oPMcvHbAc
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [TOE]: https://youtu.be/RX1tZv_Nv4Y
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [Part 2]: https://youtu.be/0AC-Ol1z5vI
- String Theory Iceberg [TOE]: https://youtu.be/X4PdPnQuwjY
- Roger Penrose [TOE]: https://youtu.be/sGm505TFMbU
- Cumrun Vafa [TOE]: https://youtu.be/kUHOoMX4Bqw
- Garrett Lisi [TOE]: https://youtu.be/z7ulJmfFvd8
- Chiara Marletto [TOE]: https://youtu.be/Uey_mUy1vN0
- Debunking "All Possible Paths" [TOE]: https://youtu.be/XcY3ZtgYis0
- Peter Woit [TOE]: https://youtu.be/TTSeqsCgxj8
- Leonard Susskind [TOE]: https://youtu.be/2p_Hlm6aCok
- Seiberg-Witten Prepotential from Instanton Counting [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0206161
- Eva Miranda [TOE]: https://youtu.be/6XyMepn-AZo
- Leptons and Quarks [Book]: https://www.amazon.com/LEPTONS-QUARKS-SPECIAL-COMMEMORATING-DISCOVERY/dp/9814603007
- Brian Greene [TOE]: https://youtu.be/O2EtTE9Czzo
- David Wallace [TOE]: https://youtu.be/4MjNuJK5RzM
- Jenann Ismael [TOE]: https://youtu.be/7kvXihDAOi0
- Claudia de Rham [TOE]: https://youtu.be/hNPMKy6RxCE
- Yang-Mills [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.19097
…
continue reading
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 01:13 - Understanding Quantum Field Theory
- 04:38 - The Journey to Gauge Origami
- 06:53 - The Story of the Microsoft Partition Function
- 19:12 - Connecting Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory
- 36:43 - The Nature of Instantons
- 45:05 - Exotic R4 and Its Implications
- 49:01 - Dealing with Non-Compactness
- 52:25 - The Emergence of Non-Commutative Geometry
- 1:04:29 - Lessons from Mentors
- 1:20:11 - Language as a Dynamic System
- 1:22:35 - The Concept of Gauge Origami
- 1:30:48 - Insights from Collaboration with Peers
- 1:37:15 - Aspirations for Future Work
- 1:38:15 - Advice for Aspiring Researchers
SPONSORS:
- The Economist (20% off): https://www.economist.com/toe
- YouTube Membership (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal
- Crypto: https://commerce.coinbase.com/checkout/de803625-87d3-4300-ab6d-85d4258834a9
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4
RESOURCES:
- Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com
- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e
- Nikita’s Papers: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bKV59LwAAAAJ&hl=en
- Nikita’s Lecture: https://scgp.stonybrook.edu/archives/44062
- Two Dimensional Gauge Theories [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/9204083
- Richard Borcherds [TOE]: https://youtu.be/U3pQWkE2KqM
- Edward Frenkel [TOE]: https://youtu.be/n_oPMcvHbAc
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [TOE]: https://youtu.be/RX1tZv_Nv4Y
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [Part 2]: https://youtu.be/0AC-Ol1z5vI
- String Theory Iceberg [TOE]: https://youtu.be/X4PdPnQuwjY
- Roger Penrose [TOE]: https://youtu.be/sGm505TFMbU
- Cumrun Vafa [TOE]: https://youtu.be/kUHOoMX4Bqw
- Garrett Lisi [TOE]: https://youtu.be/z7ulJmfFvd8
- Chiara Marletto [TOE]: https://youtu.be/Uey_mUy1vN0
- Debunking "All Possible Paths" [TOE]: https://youtu.be/XcY3ZtgYis0
- Peter Woit [TOE]: https://youtu.be/TTSeqsCgxj8
- Leonard Susskind [TOE]: https://youtu.be/2p_Hlm6aCok
- Seiberg-Witten Prepotential from Instanton Counting [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0206161
- Eva Miranda [TOE]: https://youtu.be/6XyMepn-AZo
- Leptons and Quarks [Book]: https://www.amazon.com/LEPTONS-QUARKS-SPECIAL-COMMEMORATING-DISCOVERY/dp/9814603007
- Brian Greene [TOE]: https://youtu.be/O2EtTE9Czzo
- David Wallace [TOE]: https://youtu.be/4MjNuJK5RzM
- Jenann Ismael [TOE]: https://youtu.be/7kvXihDAOi0
- Claudia de Rham [TOE]: https://youtu.be/hNPMKy6RxCE
- Yang-Mills [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.19097
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
329 episodes
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