Samir D. Mathur

Samir D. Mathur is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Ohio State University. His research focuses on high energy theory, string theory, and black hole physics, particularly addressing the black hole information paradox through the fuzzball paradigm. He has taught advanced courses such as String Theory (Physics 880) and contributed to resolving foundational questions in quantum gravity and black hole thermodynamics.

Education:

• Ph.D. Physics, University of Bombay, 1987
• M.S. Physics, IIT Kanpur, 1981

Research Interests:

Mathur's work centers on resolving the black hole information paradox via the fuzzball framework, which replaces traditional black holes with horizon-scale structures in string theory. His contributions include exploring microstate geometries, holography, and the implications of string theory on black hole thermodynamics. He challenges classical black hole concepts by proposing fuzzballs as non-singular objects that preserve information without requiring firewalls or remnants.

Publications & Trends:

His recent work emphasizes fuzzball thermodynamics, the universality of black hole properties, and contrasting fuzzball models with wormholes. Key topics include gravitational wave echoes, vacuum elasticity, and CFT analysis in the D1-D5 system.

Awards:

• Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, Ohio State University, 2003

Advising & Grants:

No explicitly listed advisees, but he teaches graduate courses and contributes to research groups exploring string theory and black hole microstates.

Labs/Teams:

Leads a research group focused on string theory applications to black holes and quantum gravity at Ohio State University's Physics Research Building.