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
Stewart J
(2009)
The Euler-Poisson-Darboux equation for relativists
in General Relativity and Gravitation
Su S
(2014)
Cosmic microwave background bispectrum from nonlinear effects during recombination
in Physical Review D
Tauber J
(2010)
Planck pre-launch status: The Planck mission
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Team, Planck HFI Core; Ade, P.A.R.; Aghanim, N.; Ansari, R.; Arnaud, M. & Others
(2011)
Planck early results: first assessment of the High Frequency Instrument in-flight performance
TSAGAS C
(2008)
Relativistic cosmology and large-scale structure
in Physics Reports
Upadhye A
(2010)
Constraining chameleon field theories using the GammeV afterglow experiments
in Physical Review D
Vielva P
(2010)
Constraints on fNL and gNL from the analysis of the N-pdf of the CMB large-scale anisotropies fNLand gNLconstraints from the CMB
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Vitagliano V
(2010)
Dynamics of generalized Palatini theories of gravity
in Physical Review D
Vitagliano V
(2011)
The dynamics of metric-affine gravity
in Annals of Physics