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
Barrow J
(2009)
Classical stability of sudden and big rip singularities
in Physical Review D
Barrow J
(2010)
Simple types of anisotropic inflation
in Physical Review D
Barrow J
(2008)
Varying alpha: New constraints from seasonal variations
in Physical Review D
Barrow J
(2008)
Some late-time asymptotics of general scalar-tensor cosmologies
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Barrow J
(2010)
Anisotropic pressures at ultrastiff singularities and the stability of cyclic universes
in Physical Review D
Barrow J
(2009)
On the stability of static ghost cosmologies
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Barrow J
(2008)
Slow decay of magnetic fields in open Friedmann universes
in Physical Review D
Barrow J
(2010)
Varying alpha
in Annalen der Physik
Barrow J
(2010)
A general sudden cosmological singularity
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Barrow J
(2011)
Cosmological magnetic field survival Cosmological magnetic field survival
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society