Thermal quantum fields, holography and black holes

Abstract

Holographic dualities provide a link between questions in Conformal Field Theory (CFT) and finite-temperature quantum field theory on the one side and the dynamics of a gravitational theory on the other side. Within this framework there have been recently several advances in understanding thermal correlation functions, the properties of heavy states in CFTs, hydrodynamic effective theories, and the dynamics of black holes. Holographic correlators in CFTs at finite temperature are a first key observable. They are been studied both in a bootstrap approach starting from the stress-tensor sector and on the bulk side from the spectrum of quasinormal modes. These statistical correlators are expected to approximate well typical heavy states, but there still are several open questions, including for what observables this expectation is indeed true and how to use correlators to extract precise signatures of black hole horizons or singularities. In order to study real-time dynamics one needs to go beyond Euclidean observables. Real time holography, based on the Schwinger-Keldysh contour, can elucidate the connection between short-distance CFT data and long-distance semiclassical dynamics. These questions are being investigated in gauge-string dualities but also in SYK and O(N) vector models which are often more tractable and can highlight interesting differences with full string theory constructions. The aim of the workshop is to bring together scientists with different expertise in this broad area of research, offer an in-depth assessment of the current understanding, and discuss the avenues for future developments and new collaborations.

Applications for the workshop are now closed. To register for the workshop conference, taking place on 3–7 May 2027, please use this link.