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
Tauber J
(2010)
Planck pre-launch status: The Planck mission
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Anderson, Edward
(2010)
Relational mechanics of shape and scale
in Int. J. Mod. Phys.
Gielen Steffen
(2010)
Classical general relativity as BF-Plebanski theory with linear constraints
in CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM GRAVITY
Hanson D
(2010)
Weak lensing of the CMB
in General Relativity and Gravitation
DUNAJSKI M
(2010)
Four-dimensional metrics conformal to Kähler
in Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society
Hartle J
(2010)
No-boundary measure in the regime of eternal inflation
in Physical Review D
Barrow J
(2010)
Varying alpha
in Annalen der Physik
Papazoglou A
(2010)
Strong coupling in extended Horava-Lifshitz gravity
in Physics Letters B
Hanson D
(2010)
Asymmetric beams and CMB statistical anisotropy
in Physical Review D
Barrow J
(2010)
Anisotropic pressures at ultrastiff singularities and the stability of cyclic universes
in Physical Review D