Living with Infinities - The contributions of Gunnar Källén and expectations of the future
by Steven Weinberg.
Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) is a theory that describes the interaction of light with matter. In its most precise test, QED gives agreement with experiment to better than one part in a trillion. Nonetheless, this marvellous theory is plagued with infinities, a malaise that inflicts other quantum field theories relevant to physics.
The speaker will discsuss some of the work of Gunnar Källén, especially regarding the problem of infinities in quantum field theory, and will recount his own interactions with him. In addition, he will deal with the current status of the problem and present his personal view on how it will be resolved in the future.
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The Gunnar Källén lecture is presented by the department of theoretical physics, physics and astronomy of Lund University, sponsored by the Gunnar Källén Memorial Fund of the Royal Physiographic society.
The present lecture was recorded on Friday 13th of February 2009 at 15:15