Lectures on the Infrared Structure of Gravity and Gauge Theory

TL;DR

This paper provides a pedagogical overview of recent theoretical advances linking soft theorems, memory effects, and asymptotic symmetries in gauge theories and gravity, with implications for black hole physics.

Contribution

It synthesizes recent developments connecting infrared structures, asymptotic symmetries, and soft theorems across gauge theories and gravity in four dimensions.

Findings

Unifies concepts of soft theorems, memory effects, and asymptotic symmetries.

Highlights implications for black hole information paradox.

Provides a comprehensive pedagogical overview.

Abstract

This is a redacted transcript of a course given by the author at Harvard in spring semester 2016. It contains a pedagogical overview of recent developments connecting the subjects of soft theorems, the memory effect and asymptotic symmetries in four-dimensional QED, nonabelian gauge theory and gravity with applications to black holes. The lectures may be viewed online at https://goo.gl/3DJdOr. Please send typos or corrections to strominger@physics.harvard.edu.