Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal Why Physicists Say We Don't Understand Quantum Field Theory
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Jul 14, 2025 Join Professor Nikita Nekrasov, a leading theoretical physicist known for his groundbreaking work, as he unpacks the mysteries of quantum field theory. He discusses why a complete understanding remains elusive despite its experimental success. Dive into his solutions to the Cyberg-Witten puzzle and the fascinating introduction of the Nekrasov partition function. Discover how exotic structures in four dimensions may relate to the very fabric of life, blending deep mathematics with the marvels of the universe.
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Quantum Field Theory's Understanding Gap
- Quantum field theory is used successfully but lacks a full axiomatic understanding.
- Gravity's integration into quantum field theory remains uncertain.
Joyful Journey to Instanton Solution
- Nekrasov describes his long, intense journey solving the instanton counting puzzle.
- He emphasizes that science is rooted in joy and the pursuit of beauty.
Localization Reveals Gauge Theory Geometry
- Two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory shows deep topological structures like moduli spaces of flat connections.
- These moduli spaces have volumes computable via localization techniques from abstract mathematics.
