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
Regan D
(2010)
General CMB and primordial trispectrum estimation
in Physical Review D
Davis A
(2012)
Modified gravity makes galaxies brighter
in Physical Review D
Li B
(2010)
Structure formation by the fifth force: Segregation of baryons and dark matter
in Physical Review D
Lip S
(2011)
Interacting cosmological fluids and the coincidence problem
in Physical Review D
Regan D
(2010)
Cosmic string power spectrum, bispectrum, and trispectrum
in Physical Review D
Avgoustidis A
(2008)
Velocity-dependent models for non-Abelian/entangled string networks
in Physical Review D
Upadhye A
(2010)
Constraining chameleon field theories using the GammeV afterglow experiments
in Physical Review D
Li B
(2008)
Detecting a Lorentz-violating field in cosmology
in Physical Review D
Gibbons G
(2010)
Deforming the Maxwell-Sim algebra
in Physical Review D
Avelino P
(2008)
Dynamics of domain wall networks with junctions
in Physical Review D