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
Seery D
(2008)
Non-Gaussianity of inflationary field perturbations from the field equation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Li B
(2008)
Microscopic and macroscopic behaviors of Palatini modified gravity theories
in Physical Review D
Brax, Philippe; Van De Bruck, Carsten; Davis, Anne-Christine & Shaw, Douglas
(2009)
Laboratory Tests of Chameleon Models
Komatsu, E.; Afshordi, N.; Bartolo, N.; Baumann, D.; Bond, J.R. & Others
(2009)
Non-Gaussianity as a Probe of the Physics of the Primordial Universe and the Astrophysics of the Low Redshift Universe
Hindmarsh, Mark; Ringeval, Christophe & Suyama, Teruaki
(2009)
The CMB temperature bispectrum induced by cosmic strings
Regan D
(2009)
Cosmic String Power Spectrum, Bispectrum and Trispectrum
Gibbons G
(2009)
Measures on mixing angles
in Physical Review D
Stewart J
(2009)
The Euler-Poisson-Darboux equation for relativists
in General Relativity and Gravitation
Barrow J
(2009)
Classical stability of sudden and big rip singularities
in Physical Review D
Avgoustidis A
(2009)
Consistency checks in the ?CDM: transparency, BAO scale and ?-domination
in Nuclear Physics B - Proceedings Supplements