Extending AdS/CFT: dual states for new geometries

Abstract

In this thesis we present research that extends our knowledge of the AdS/CFT correspondence; in particular we look at various non-supersymmetric Spacetimes and their conjectured dual field theory states. We consider known U(l) xU(l) invariant spaces and investigate the requirements for smoothness, which results in the construction of new smooth non-supersymmetric soliton solutions with Dl, D5 and momentum charges. We are able to identify dual states for these geometries in the field theory describing D1-D5 systems. Also discussed are interesting aspects of these Spacetimes and new orbifold solutions which are valid string backgrounds. In addition to this, we study time-dependent Spacetimes which are asymptotically locally anti-de Sitter. There are two different Spacetimes with the same asymptotics: the 'bubble of nothing' solutions and higher dimensional BTZ black holes, which are both asymptotically locally anti de Sitter and whose conformal boundaries are both conformal to de Sitter space times a circle. We use the AdS/CFT correspondence to give a description of the spacetimes in the dual field theory. We are also able to relate horizons and their thermodynamic quantities in the bulk and boundary spacetimes and are able to assign entropy to non-compact horizons.