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
{The COrE Collaboration}
(2011)
COrE (Cosmic Origins Explorer) A White Paper
{Pontzen}, A. & {Challinor}, A.
(2010)
Homogeneous Perturbations on FRW Backgrounds
{Planck Collaboration}
(2011)
Planck Early Results: ERCSC Validation and Extreme Radio Sources
Zhao, HongSheng; Maccio', Andrea; Li, Baojiu; Hoekstra, Henk & Feix, Martin
(2009)
Structure Formation by Fifth Force: Power Spectrum from N- Body Simulations
Zhao H
(2010)
DARK FLUID: A UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR MODIFIED NEWTONIAN DYNAMICS, DARK MATTER, AND DARK ENERGY
in The Astrophysical Journal
Zhao G
(2011)
N -body simulations for f ( R ) gravity using a self-adaptive particle-mesh code
in Physical Review D
Yadav Amit P. S.
(2008)
Fast estimator of primordial non-Gaussianity from temperature and polarization anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background. II. Partial sky coverage and inhomogeneous noise
in ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
Wu Z
(2009)
Commutativity of substitution and variation in the actions of quantum field theory
in Physical Review D
Williams, Ruth M.
(2009)
Quantum Regge calculus
Wesley D
(2009)
Oxidised cosmic acceleration
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics