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
Lewis A
(2011)
The shape of the CMB lensing bispectrum
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Li B
(2011)
N -BODY SIMULATIONS FOR EXTENDED QUINTESSENCE MODELS
in The Astrophysical Journal
Li B
(2011)
f ( T ) gravity and local Lorentz invariance
in Physical Review D
Li B
(2009)
Does bulk viscosity create a viable unified dark matter model?
in Physical Review D
Li B
(2009)
Indistinguishable macroscopic behaviour of Palatini gravities and general relativity
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Li B
(2009)
Environment-dependent dark sector
in Physical Review D
Li B
(2011)
Large-scale structure in f ( T ) gravity
in Physical Review D
Li B
(2011)
N -body simulations for coupled scalar-field cosmology
in Physical Review D
Li B
(2008)
Testing alternative theories of dark matter with the CMB
in Physical Review D
Li B
(2011)
VARYING ALPHA FROM N -BODY SIMULATIONS
in The Astrophysical Journal