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
Malik K
(2008)
Different approaches to the second-order Klein-Gordon equation
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Deadman E
(2009)
Numerical relativity and asymptotic flatness
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Durkee M
(2011)
Perturbations of higher-dimensional spacetimes
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Cadonati L
(2009)
Status of NINJA: the Numerical INJection Analysis project
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Anderson E
(2008)
An interpretation of variational principles for gauge theories: a cyclic coordinate alternative to ADM split
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Anderson E
(2010)
Quantum cosmological metroland model
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Rinne O
(2009)
Implementation of higher-order absorbing boundary conditions for the Einstein equations
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Durkee M
(2009)
Type II Einstein spacetimes in higher dimensions
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Anderson E
(2009)
Triangleland: I. Classical dynamics with exchange of relative angular momentum
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Gibbons G
(2011)
The geometry of sound rays in a wind
in Contemporary Physics