Towards a more efficient model of particle physics

Synopsis

Grand unified theories envision the standard model of particle physics as a piece of a larger system.  However, in this talk we will ask the opposite question:  Could the standard model result from a set of algebras much smaller than itself?
By the late 1930s, Arthur Conway knew that the complex quaternions (just a 4 complex-dimensional algebra) could single-handedly encode the notion of rotations and boosts, in addition to the degrees of freedom of electric and magnetic fields, energy and momentum, fermionic spin and chirality.  Here we will demonstrate hints that the octonions might be capable of similar feats in efficiency.

This colloquium is tailored so as to be as accessible as possible. Students are more than welcome to attend.