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AI Starts to Sift Through String Theory’s Near-Endless Possibilities | Quanta Magazine

Apr 24, 2024 - quantamagazine.org
Physicists have used machine learning to calculate the masses of particles in string theory, a complex mathematical model that attempts to reconcile quantum physics and general relativity. The researchers used neural networks to approximate Calabi-Yau metrics, a six-dimensional shape that is integral to string theory, and calculate the masses of particles. The use of machine learning has allowed physicists to overcome previous limitations and explore the finer features of large-scale universes corresponding to each manifold.

Two teams of researchers have successfully used this approach to calculate the masses of three types of quarks for six differently shaped Calabi-Yau manifolds. This represents a significant advancement in the field, as such calculations were previously considered impossible. However, the researchers acknowledge that the chances of finding a match between the theoretical and observed particles by chance are extremely low, given the potentially infinite number of Calabi-Yau manifolds. Future research will focus on identifying patterns that could guide the search for a match.

Key takeaways:

  • Researchers have been using machine learning and neural networks to approximate Calabi-Yau metrics and calculate the masses of particles, a problem that has been pursued for decades.
  • Two teams have successfully used neural networks to calculate the Yukawa couplings and the masses of three types of quarks for six differently shaped Calabi-Yau manifolds, marking a significant advancement in the field.
  • The number of Calabi-Yau manifolds may be infinite, and the likelihood of finding a match to our universe by chance is extremely low. Therefore, researchers are trying to identify patterns that could guide the search.
  • While some researchers believe that a manifold reproducing the masses of all known particles could be found in a matter of years, others think it's premature to scrutinize individual manifolds and are focusing on identifying common features of all mathematically consistent string theory solutions.
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