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
Avgoustidis A
(2009)
Warped Wilson line DBI inflation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Avgoustidis A
(2008)
Velocity-dependent models for non-Abelian/entangled string networks
in Physical Review D
Avgoustidis A
(2011)
New Cosmological Constraints on Axions and Axion-Like Particles
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Avgoustidis A
(2010)
Effect of kinematic constraints on multitension string network evolution
in Physical Review D
Avgoustidis A
(2007)
Cosmic String Evolution in Brane Inflation
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Avgoustidis A
(2008)
Non-relativistic strings in expanding spacetime
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Avgoustidis A
(2008)
Cosmic string dynamics and evolution in warped spacetime
in Physical Review D
Avgoustidis, A.; Jimenez, R.; Alvarez-Gaume, L. & Vazquez-Mozo, M. A.
(2009)
Powering AGNs with super-critical black holes
Aylott B
(2009)
Testing gravitational-wave searches with numerical relativity waveforms: results from the first Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Barausse E
(2011)
Black holes in Einstein-aether and Horava-Lifshitz gravity
in Physical Review D