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.

Publications

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Davis A (2012) Modified gravity makes galaxies brighter in Physical Review D

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Davis A (2008) Cusps on cosmic superstrings with junctions in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics

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Davis A (2009) Bogomol'nyi bounds for gravitational cosmic strings in Journal of High Energy Physics

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Davis AC (2008) Brane inflation and defect formation. in Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences

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Davis, A.C. & Ribeiro, Raquel H. (2009) Enhanced (p)reheating in DBI Inflation

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De Troia G. (2007) Searching for non-Gaussian signals in the BOOMERANG 2003 CMB maps in ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL

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Deadman E (2009) Numerical relativity and asymptotic flatness in Classical and Quantum Gravity

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Dias Ó (2010) An instability of higher-dimensional rotating black holes in Journal of High Energy Physics

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Dias Ó (2009) Kerr-CFT and gravitational perturbations in Journal of High Energy Physics

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Dodelson, Scott; Easther, Richard; Hanany, Shaul; McAllister, Liam; Meyer, Stephan & Others (2009) The Origin of the Universe as Revealed Through the Polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background

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DUNAJSKI M (2010) Four-dimensional metrics conformal to Kähler in Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society

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Durkee M (2011) Perturbations of higher-dimensional spacetimes in Classical and Quantum Gravity

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Durkee M (2009) Type II Einstein spacetimes in higher dimensions in Classical and Quantum Gravity

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Durkee M (2010) Generalization of the Geroch-Held-Penrose formalism to higher dimensions in Classical and Quantum Gravity

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Durkee M (2009) Geodesics and symmetries of doubly spinning black rings in Classical and Quantum Gravity