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
Davis AC
(2008)
Brane inflation and defect formation.
in Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences
Malik K
(2008)
Different approaches to the second-order Klein-Gordon equation
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Brax P
(2008)
f ( R ) gravity and chameleon theories
in Physical Review D
Anderson E
(2008)
An interpretation of variational principles for gauge theories: a cyclic coordinate alternative to ADM split
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Hikage C
(2008)
Limits on primordial non-Gaussianity from Minkowski Functionals of the WMAP temperature anisotropies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gibbons G
(2008)
The Petrov and Kaigorodov-Ozsváth solutions: spacetime as a group manifold
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Middleton J
(2008)
Stability of an isotropic cosmological singularity in higher-order gravity
in Physical Review D
Barrow J
(2008)
Slow decay of magnetic fields in open Friedmann universes
in Physical Review D
Battye R
(2008)
Textures and semi-local strings in supersymmetric hybrid inflation
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Chen X
(2008)
Fine-tuning in DBI inflationary mechanism
in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics