An examination of the Big Bang Singularity using the matrix formulation of M-Theory

Abstract

M theory is a proposed quantum theory of everything which is connected to type IIA string theory via S duality. In its low energy limit, M theory is approximated by 11 dimensional supergravity. In this thesis, we look at the BFSS formulation of M theory, known as Matrix theory. We discover that this formulation yields correct expressions for the velocity dependent scattering potential between supergravitons at one and two loops. Furthermore, it also gives us the correct M2 brane tension. Another form of the BFSS conjecture at finite N is then used to show that a static potential does exist between supergravitons. This static potential falls rapidly at late times, in agreement with the flat spacetime calculation.