Robert Bluhm, Colby College

Topic: "Testing Lorentz Symmetry"  (Video)

ABSTRACT: Lorentz symmetry is a fundamental component of the standard model in particle physics and of general relativity.  However, in recent years, the idea that Lorentz symmetry might not hold exactly due to effects arising at the Planck scale in a quantum theory of gravity (such as string theory) has received much attention.  This talk will look at theoretical investigations of Lorentz tests, which use a framework known at the Standard-Model Extension. A variety of recent phenomenological tests of Lorentz symmetry will be examined.