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
Anderson E
(2008)
An interpretation of variational principles for gauge theories: a cyclic coordinate alternative to ADM split
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Gibbons G
(2008)
The Petrov and Kaigorodov-Ozsváth solutions: spacetime as a group manifold
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Barrow J
(2009)
On the stability of static ghost cosmologies
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Durkee M
(2009)
A higher dimensional generalization of the geodesic part of the Goldberg-Sachs theorem
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Bicák J
(2010)
On asymptotically flat solutions of Einstein's equations periodic in time: I. Vacuum and electrovacuum solutions
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Barrow J
(2010)
A general sudden cosmological singularity
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Rinne O
(2009)
Implementation of higher-order absorbing boundary conditions for the Einstein equations
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Cadonati L
(2009)
Status of NINJA: the Numerical INJection Analysis project
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Gibbons G
(2009)
Deformed general relativity and torsion
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Avgoustidis A
(2008)
Non-relativistic strings in expanding spacetime
in Classical and Quantum Gravity