Scribd
Upload
13 views2 pages

Research Aspirations in Mathematical Physics

Uploaded by

flyinsky1206
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
13 views2 pages

Research Aspirations in Mathematical Physics

Uploaded by

flyinsky1206
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Statement of Interest

Foster (Yun-Fei) Teng

My name is Foster (Yun Fei). I want to become a researcher in mathematical physics. I hope
to one day develop my own theory, starting from basic definitions, forming conjectures,
stating theorems, and proving them in a logically precise way. My interest in mathematics
began when I tried to understand physical laws rigorously, which motivated me to take more
specialist courses in mathematics. Partial differential equations have always given me the
clearest intuition about how physical systems evolve, but over time I have also developed a
strong interest in broader areas of mathematics, as they provide me with more abstract tools
for understanding physics.

I begin with my experience deriving partial differential equations in my General Relativity


course project on the least action principle for the Einstein field equations. We defined the
Einstein-Hilbert action, and I focused on the gravitational part of it to derive the equation in
vacuum. There was no step-by-step derivation available to follow, so I read several
references to carry out the key computations myself, including the Palatini identity and the
Jacobi formula. Via the variational techniques and careful computation, I enjoyed the feeling
of arriving at a result that at first appears unreachable.

During the same semester, I took a reading course supervised by Professor Wenyu Pan on
the topic of geodesic trajectories. Every three weeks, I presented the material of my part to
the group. I began by defining the hyperbolic metric on the upper half plane H², and then
introduced the corresponding notions of hyperbolic length and area. Using what we learned
in the course in Complex Analysis regarding conformal maps of the unit disk, I was able to
describe the automorphism group of H². Under these constructions, I showed that both
length and area are invariant under these conformal transformations. Next, we studied the
concept of the horocycle, and introduced an important class of functions called Busemann
cocycles. I showed that the Busemann cocycle is independent of the choice of geodesic ray,
which allows the function to be well defined on the boundary.

The most interesting part of the course for me was the connection between geometry and
algebra. We defined a Fuchsian group Γ as a discrete subgroup of Aut(H²). I first showed
that the action of Γ on H² is properly discontinuous, then I worked through the construction of
a fundamental domain F(Γ), showing that such a domain always exists. The whole process
introduced me to a way of thinking in which geometry, group action, and surface topology
are closely intertwined.

During the summer, I received an NSERC USRA supervised by Professor Camelia


Karimianpour. The topic of the project was Visualization of Algebraic Structures. Our group
focused on finite groups, and we held regular meetings twice a week. I enjoyed this project
because I have always liked working with visual programming tools such as MATLAB and
Matplotlib, and it gave me the opportunity to apply them in mathematics research.
In this project, I began with cyclic groups, and represented their subgroup structures using
polygons inclosed in a circle, and animated these visualizations into a short video. I also
represented the elements of Zn as vertical lines on a cylinder. In addition to considering the
direct products of Zn, we also compared level sets of functions of two variables defined over
R2 and over Zp ⤫ Zp. These comparisons revealed different types of symmetry depending on
the choice of function. Later, I presented visualizations of the Platonic groups and the
quasidihedral group QD16. It was interesting to see that certain patterns in the same Cayley
diagram correspond to pairs of opposite vertices of a cube and pairs of opposite faces of an
octahedron. I enjoy visualizing these groups, inspired by problems from the Dummit and
Foote textbook. In August, I gave a talk on this project at the undergraduate summer
research seminar. There were still many ideas left to explore, but it was the perfect ending to
my summer.

My undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto have helped me develop a clearer and
more careful way of thinking, and I would like to continue building this at the graduate level
at the University of Waterloo. Given my experience in quantum mechanics from both
mathematics and physics, I hope to work with Prof. Florian Girelli, whose research in
quantum gravity studies some of the most challenging problems in theoretical physics, and
this is something that excites me. I am also very interested in doing research with Prof.
Eduardo Martin Martinez since I am generally interested in quantum physics as a research
direction. By completing all the core specialist courses in both mathematics and physics, I
believe I have built a strong background for these research areas, with intuition from both
fields.

My long term goal is to complete a PhD and continue in academia, developing more abstract
mathematical proofs of theoretical physics problems or providing equivalent descriptions.
Such work typically requires deep and broad knowledge of mathematics and physics, and I
believe that the University of Waterloo offers an environment where this kind of study is
possible. It provides a wide selection of graduate courses in mathematical physics, and it is
located close to the Perimeter Institute, which gives me the chance to attend seminars and
research talks in theoretical physics. I hope to continue learning in such an environment,
where mathematical ideas are developed thoroughly and thoughtfully, and I believe that the
University of Waterloo is an ideal place for me to do so.

Word count: 925

Common questions

Powered by AI

Teng's undergraduate experience prepared him for research in quantum mechanics and quantum gravity by completing core specialist courses in mathematics and physics, blending theoretical and practical insights. His interest and interactions in quantum mechanics, such as working with cyclic groups and their visual representations, provide foundational knowledge useful in understanding complex quantum structures .

Teng's visualization of algebraic structures helps explore mathematical symmetry by using visual programming tools to represent subgroup structures and elements of groups like Zn using geometric animations. His analysis of direct products and comparison of level sets of functions over R² and Zp⤫Zp revealed different symmetry types due to function choice, demonstrating how visualization can uncover underlying symmetric properties within algebraic contexts .

Teng's passion for visual programming and abstract mathematics emerges in his research presentations through the use of visual tools to elucidate abstract group structures and symmetries. By transforming complex algebraic ideas into accessible visual formats, Teng bridges abstract mathematical theory with tangible interpretations, enhancing comprehension and engagement .

The University of Waterloo is ideal for Teng's academic pursuits in mathematical physics because it offers a wide selection of graduate courses in the field, proximity to the Perimeter Institute for theoretical physics seminars, and a comprehensive environment for in-depth mathematical exploration. This setup complements Teng's goals for advanced learning and academic development in both mathematics and physics .

Foster Teng demonstrated his ability to conduct independent research through his experience with the least action principle for the Einstein field equations by deriving the equation in vacuum without step-by-step guidance. He independently read several references and carried out key computations, including utilizing variational techniques and engaging in careful computation. This process allowed him to arrive at an originally unreachable result, showcasing his capacity to synthesize complex mathematical and physical concepts .

Teng has utilized visualization tools like MATLAB and Matplotlib to create geometric representations of algebraic structures, such as cyclic groups and Platonic groups. These visualizations, including animations of subgroup structures and comparisons of symmetries, facilitate a deeper understanding and insight into complex mathematical concepts by highlighting abstract relationships visually .

Reading courses and supervised projects, like those Teng participated in, play a crucial role in developing his research skills by providing structured learning environments where he can explore complex topics such as geodesic trajectories. These opportunities for presenting work, defining intricate concepts, and engaging in supervised exploration foster his analytical and independent thinking .

Teng's prospective research with Prof. Florian Girelli aligns with his academic interests and professional goals in exploring challenging theoretical physics problems, particularly quantum gravity. His goal to develop abstract mathematical proofs is enhanced by Girelli’s research, fostering an environment conducive to his aspiration for deep engagement in academia and theoretical refinement .

Teng's work with geodesic trajectories illustrates the intersection of geometry and algebra through his exploration of hyperbolic metric properties and group theory. He defined hyperbolic spaces, explored invariant properties under conformal transformations, and elucidated the role of Busemann cocycles. Additionally, by defining Fuchsian groups and constructing fundamental domains, Teng demonstrated how geometry is intertwined with algebraic structures like group actions and surface topology .

Teng's research approach demonstrates a synthesis of diverse mathematical concepts through integrating partial differential equations, variational techniques, and group theory in his studies. His work on Einstein field equations, geodesic trajectories, and algebraic visualizations show his ability to blend different mathematical disciplines into cohesive insights, enhancing understanding of physical phenomena .

You might also like