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
Li B
(2011)
Large-scale structure in f ( T ) gravity
in Physical Review D
Chen X
(2009)
Large primordial trispectra in general single field inflation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Chen X
(2010)
Large non-Gaussianities with intermediate shapes from quasi-single-field inflation
in Physical Review D
Brax, Philippe; Van De Bruck, Carsten; Davis, Anne-Christine & Shaw, Douglas
(2009)
Laboratory Tests of Chameleon Models
Gibbons G
(2011)
Kohn's theorem, Larmor's equivalence principle and the Newton-Hooke group
in Annals of Physics
Dias Ó
(2009)
Kerr-CFT and gravitational perturbations
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Lip S
(2011)
Interacting cosmological fluids and the coincidence problem
in Physical Review D
Dias Ó
(2009)
Instability and new phases of higher-dimensional rotating black holes
in Physical Review D
Seery D
(2009)
Inflationary trispectrum from graviton exchange
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Li B
(2009)
Indistinguishable macroscopic behaviour of Palatini gravities and general relativity
in Classical and Quantum Gravity