Grand Unified Theory

or The Theory of Everything:

Is it really out there?

A report by:

RAdm.R.M. Wey

COSR: SFS-SFC

For more than a decade, research scientists in the discipline of theoretical physics have been seeking the answer. First came ‘String Theory,' a postulation that the universe consisted of ‘tiny’ strings from which all things were derived.

As the postulation went, the strings were but a mere 10 -13 centimeters in length and vibrated in many different nodes. Each possessed a fixed energy and therefore [by the laws of quantum mechanics] was to be considered a particle.

Alas, the theory proved to be far more complicated than the original problem.

However, a new ‘theory’ [Duality] is reviving the old ‘string theory’ in a way that may yet provide for a ‘Theory of Everything’.

In order to understand the new vigor and renaissance that string theory is enjoying, one must understand the use of the word ‘dual’. In essence, a theory is considered dual if they are apparently ‘dissimilar’ yet make the same predictions.

Such first became apparent while physicists were working with quantum field theories [such theories describe particles as quantum mechanical waves spread out in space-time].

In one such theory [Quantum Chromodynamics (or QCD)] quarks are elementary particles denoted by color [a charge much like an electrical one]. It is this ‘color’ that binds quarks to each other to form larger, composite particles such as protons.

Then, of course, there is ‘SuperSymmetry’; an idea postulated to suggest that for every kind of particle that constitutes matter, there is one that transmits force. Of course, no such examples have yet been found in nature.

Alas, yet another snag exists for this theory, and that is the required existence of a ten dimensional space-time. Yet only the four [the three of space: height width depth and one of time] are exhibited in the ‘real world’, the other six…? They are assumed to have ‘curled up’ so tight that not even a ‘quark’ takes notice.

Yet another type of duality [mirror symmetry] was bringing together different parts of string theory, as well as a theory called ‘SuperGravity’. However, this caused problems of its own. For while strings wiggled around in ten dimensions, SuperGravity existed in eleven.

Stranger still is the connection being made between the ‘strings’ and black holes. To accommodate the mathematics involved, numerous ‘massless’ black holes began to ‘appear’. This was explained by a ‘Phase Transition’, which caused a ‘tear’ in the ‘fabric’ of curled space.

To solve this, physicists have opened a new branch of mathematics, called quantum geometry. Yet for all their efforts, ‘The Theory of Everything’ is yet to be found.

Perhaps, it will be. Yet again, perhaps it is something we mere mortals aren’t meant to find?