Associate Professor, Physics
My overall research program is devoted to alternative parametrizations of the gravitational field. The general theory of relativity is based upon a mathematical structure called a manifold, and my research is focused on looking at different presentations of this mathematical structure to determine if they can be used to gain a better understanding of the gravitational field.
For instance, exotic smooth structure is a unique feature of manifolds in four-dimensions, and I have proven that at least in some cases, the inclusion of exotic smooth structure can change the outcome of theoretical calculations in semiclassical gravity. In a currently ongoing program, I am looking at modeling dark matter with these exotic smooth structures. In this case, it might be that dark matter does not consist of exotic particles, but rather exotic mathematics.
Finally, I am interested in the connection between quantum mechanics and gravity, specifically that which is found in loop quantum gravity. With some collaborators, we have developed the only self-consistent approach to include topological change in loop quantum gravity.
Duston C L, “Using Cosmic Strings to Relate Local Geometry to Spatial Topology,” International Journal of Modern Physics D, 1750033, arXiv:[gr-qc]/1506.00498.
Duston C L, “Topspin Networks and Topology in Loop Quantum Gravity,” The Thirteenth Marcel Grossmann Meeting. March 2015, 2177-2179.
Duston C, “Semiclassical Partition Functions for Gravity With Cosmic Strings,” Class. Quantum Grav. 30 (2013) 165009.
Spencer Benoit M’22 went from an attack helicopter mechanic to a school counselor after graduating from Merrimack College.
