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Abstract |
In its simplest version, the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) states that, in any sensible effective field theory coupled to gravity, there are light particles whose charge-to-mass ratio is larger than that of an extremal black hole. This conjecture, together with its generalizations to axions and other fields, has the potential to constrain effective field theories of phenomenological interest, like models of large field inflation, clockwork, or relaxation. However, a number of loopholes complicate this task. After a brief survey of the relevant versions of the WGC, I will explain the difficulties in obtaining precise constraints for EFT’s, and how some of these may be ameliorated by additional input of stringy physics. Finally, I will describe what can be learned from looking at the WGC from a holographic perspective. |
