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
Gibbons G
(2009)
Deformed general relativity and torsion
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Brax P
(2009)
Decoupling dark energy from matter
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Chen X
(2009)
Decaying hidden dark matter in warped compactification
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Zhao H
(2010)
DARK FLUID: A UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR MODIFIED NEWTONIAN DYNAMICS, DARK MATTER, AND DARK ENERGY
in The Astrophysical Journal
Steinhardt P
(2009)
Dark energy, inflation, and extra dimensions
in Physical Review D
Gibbons G
(2010)
Dark energy and projective symmetry
in Physics Letters B
Brax P
(2008)
D -term uplifted racetrack inflation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Davis A
(2008)
Cusps on cosmic superstrings with junctions
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Aref'eva I
(2010)
Critical trapped surfaces formation in the collision of ultrarelativistic charges in (A)dS
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Henneaux M
(2008)
Coxeter group structure of cosmological billiards on compact spatial manifolds
in Journal of High Energy Physics