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
Brax P
(2010)
Modifying gravity at low redshift
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Brax P
(2011)
Anomalous coupling of scalars to gauge fields
in Physics Letters B
Brax P
(2010)
Tuning the mass of chameleon fields in Casimir force experiments.
in Physical review letters
Brax P
(2010)
Dilaton and modified gravity
in Physical Review D
Brax P
(2009)
Collider constraints on interactions of dark energy with the Standard Model
in Journal of High Energy Physics
Brax, Philippe; Van De Bruck, Carsten; Davis, Anne-Christine & Shaw, Douglas
(2009)
Laboratory Tests of Chameleon Models
Brown M
(2009)
Impact of modulation on CMB B -mode polarization experiments
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Burrage C
(2009)
Detecting chameleons: The astronomical polarization produced by chameleonlike scalar fields
in Physical Review D
Burrage C
(2009)
Active galactic nuclei shed light on axionlike particles.
in Physical review letters
Burrage C
(2007)
P-term potentials from 4-D supergravity
in Journal of High Energy Physics