Millennium Prize Problems Lecture – Sourav Chatterjee: Yang-Mills Existence and Mass Gap
CMSA EVENTS
Millennium Prize Problems Lecture
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 5:00–6:00 pm
Location: Harvard Science Center Hall D, 1 Oxford St., Cambridge MA
Speaker: Sourav Chatterjee, Stanford University
Title: Yang-Mills and the foundations of quantum field theory
Abstract: Yang-Mills theories are the building blocks of the Standard Model of quantum mechanics, which is the best available model for our universe at the quantum scale. Yet, these theories do not have a rigorous mathematical foundation. Physical calculations are based on perturbation theory, but there are various phenomena that are believed to be out of the reach of perturbative arguments. Building a mathematical foundation is, therefore, important even from the physics point of view. A program with this objective, known as “constructive field theory”, was initiated in the 1960s. In spite of many successes, the program has not reached its original goal. Completing this program is the Clay Millennium Prize problem of Yang-Mills existence and mass gap. I will give a general introduction to the main questions, and an overview of exciting recent progress that has rejuvenated the quest for a solution in the last ten years.
Register to attend in-person.
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Read more about the Yang-Mills Existence and Mass Gap at the Clay Math website.
Organizers: Martin Bridson, Clay Mathematics Institute | Dan Freed, Harvard University and CMSA | Mike Hopkins, Harvard University