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
Brax P
(2009)
Decoupling dark energy from matter
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Dias Ó
(2009)
Kerr-CFT and gravitational perturbations
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Davis, A.C. & Ribeiro, Raquel H.
(2009)
Enhanced (p)reheating in DBI Inflation
Seery D
(2009)
Inflationary trispectrum from graviton exchange
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Barrow J
(2009)
Classical stability of sudden and big rip singularities
in Physical Review D
Sotiriou TP
(2009)
Phenomenologically viable Lorentz-violating quantum gravity.
in Physical review letters
Hindmarsh, Mark; Ringeval, Christophe & Suyama, Teruaki
(2009)
The CMB temperature bispectrum induced by cosmic strings
Regan D
(2009)
Cosmic String Power Spectrum, Bispectrum and Trispectrum
Herdeiro C
(2009)
Backreaction of frame dragging
in Physical Review D
Joukovskaya L
(2009)
Dynamics with infinitely many time derivatives in Friedmann-Robertson-Walker background and rolling tachyons
in Journal of High Energy Physics