Viscosity, Black Holes, and Quantum Field Theory

Apr, 2007
23 pages
Published in:
  • Ann.Rev.Nucl.Part.Sci. 57 (2007) 95-118
e-Print:
Report number:
  • INT-PUB-07-02

Citations per year

20072012201720222025020406080
Abstract: (arXiv)
We review recent progress in applying the AdS/CFT correspondence to finite-temperature field theory. In particular, we show how the hydrodynamic behavior of field theory is reflected in the low-momentum limit of correlation functions computed through a real-time AdS/CFT prescription, which we formulate. We also show how the hydrodynamic modes in field theory correspond to the low-lying quasinormal modes of the AdS black p-brane metric. We provide a proof of the universality of the viscosity/entropy ratio within a class of theories with gravity duals and formulate a viscosity bound conjecture. Possible implications for real systems are mentioned.
Note:
  • 23 pages, a review. New proof of the universality of the viscosity entropy ratio, new derivation of Kubo's formula/ references added and minor typos corrected in version 2
  • AdS/CFT correspondence
  • hydrodynamics
  • space-time: anti-de Sitter
  • field theory: conformal
  • hydrodynamics
  • viscosity
  • entropy
  • black hole
  • finite temperature
  • p-brane: quasinormal mode