IAS High Energy Theory Seminar

All in-person attendees must be fully vaccinated, including a booster dose. Individuals must be prepared to present proof of vaccination and booster if asked but will not be required to submit proof. Masks are optional in all indoor spaces.  

This seminar will be presented in-person and on Zoom.
https://theias.zoom.us/j/84232389159?pwd=UAWukoEv3RMKL8ssHZ2nUfIwggISU7.1

Abstract: As has been known since the 90s, there is an integrable structure underlying two-dimensional gravity theories. Recently, two-dimensional gravity theories have regained an enormous amount of attention, but now in relation with quantum chaos - superficially nothing like integrability. In this talk I will return to the roots and exploit the integrable structure underlying dilaton gravity theories to study a late time, large $e^{S_\text{BH}}$ double scaled limit of the spectral form factor. In this limit, a novel cancellation due to the integrable structure ensures that at each genus $g$ the spectral form factor grows like $T^{2g+1}$, and that the sum over genera converges, realising a perturbative approach to the late-time plateau. Along the way, I will clarify various aspects of this integrable structure. In particular, I will explain the central role played by ribbon graphs, discuss intersection theory, and if time permits, explain what the relations with dilaton gravity and matrix models are from a more modern holographic perspective.