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
Battefeld D
(2008)
Magnetogenesis from cosmic string loops
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Renaux-Petel S
(2009)
Nonlinear perturbations of cosmological scalar fields with non-standard kinetic terms
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Davis A
(2008)
Cusps on cosmic superstrings with junctions
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Sefusatti E
(2009)
Constraining running non-gaussianity
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Chen X
(2011)
Strongly coupled inflaton
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Bartolo N
(2008)
On the physical significance of infra-red corrections to inflationary observables
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Avgoustidis A
(2010)
Constraints on cosmic opacity and beyond the standard model physics from cosmological distance measurements
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Chen X
(2009)
Large primordial trispectra in general single field inflation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Brax P
(2010)
Modifying gravity at low redshift
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Seery D
(2009)
Magnetogenesis and the primordial non-gaussianity
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics