Dynamical Cobordism in String Theory and Holography

This thesis investigates the intricate relationship between topology, gravity, and quantum field theory within String Theory, centering on the Cobordism Conjecture, which asserts that any consistent quantum gravity theory must allow spacetime boundaries. It begins by introducing Dynamical Cobordism through models that realize end-of-the-world branes dynamically, linking them to Swampland constraints. It then explores Bubbles of Nothing as non-perturbative instabilities, classifying them and analyzing their behavior across various theories. The third section applies Dynamical Cobordism to AdS/CFT, reinterpreting known duals in type IIB string theory as boundary-terminating geometries. Finally, it examines topological couplings and anomalies in holographic setups, introducing the SymTFT framework and uncovering new anomaly inflow mechanisms and Chern-Simons structures.

Supervisor: Ángel Uranga