Fundamental Physics and Observational Cosmology
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics
Abstract
We aim to advance the confrontation between observational cosmology and fundamental physics by developing testable signatures of early universe theories which are of direct relevance to STFC-supported satellite and other experiments, such as Planck and Clover. This work entails making detailed quantitative observational predictions which can be used to distinguish between different inflation models, as well as those involving cosmic superstrings and textures. In particular, we wish to study cosmologies emerging from higher dimensional models in fundamental theory, and discover ways in which to differentiate these from conventional four-dimensional models. We will also use data from the late universe to develop probes of the cosmological constant, dark energy and the variation of the fundamental constants of nature. In addition, we will embark on a new project in gravitational physics, studying the existence, formation and consequences of black holes. We will consider the distinctive signatures of extra dimensions which the experimental study of black holes may be able to uncover.
Organisations
Publications
Anderson E
(2009)
Triangleland: II. Quantum mechanics of pure shape
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Rinne O
(2010)
An axisymmetric evolution code for the Einstein equations on hyperboloidal slices
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Chow D
(2008)
Equal charge black holes and seven-dimensional gauged supergravity
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Gibbons G
(2009)
Deformed general relativity and torsion
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Ita E
(2008)
Finite states in four-dimensional quantum gravity: the isotropic minisuperspace Asktekar-Klein-Gordon model
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Gibbons G
(2008)
Light bending in Schwarzschild-de Sitter: projective geometry of the optical metric
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Barrow J
(2008)
Some late-time asymptotics of general scalar-tensor cosmologies
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Aylott B
(2009)
Testing gravitational-wave searches with numerical relativity waveforms: results from the first Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Holzegel Gustav
(2007)
Ricci flows connecting Taub-Bolt and Taub-NUT metrics
in CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM GRAVITY
Anderson E
(2008)
Foundations of relational particle dynamics
in Classical and Quantum Gravity