RESEARCH THEME: Using the AdS/CFT correspondence to study phases of gauge theories at strong coupling, at finite temperature and density. A related problem is to understand the physics of cold nuclear matter in neutron stars

SUBJECT AND NATURE OF PROPOSED WORK: The AdS/CFT correspondence gives a new perspective both on strong coupling physics om quantum field theory and on the nature of the gravitational interaction. This thesis will deal with analysing the physics of gauge theories at finite temperature and density, their phase diagrams and their consequences for the physics of neutron stars, strange stars,  black holes,  cosmological fluids and strange metals.