Detecting new particles in the sky
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics
Abstract
The aim of this proposal is to develop the necessary tools to constrain signatures from massive particles in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and apply developed tools directly to CMB data. Such particles are hypothesized in string theory and they have a well determined hierarchy. Interactions of these particles with the inflaton, leads to unique signatures in the CMB. Specifically, it can sources non-Gaussianities that can be observed in temperature and polarisation measurements.
The predicted signatures can lead to coupling of primordial tensor and scalar degrees of freedom. Some numerical challenges need to be overcome, such as the fact that the intrinsic coupling between tensor and scalars will lead to less optimal computational scaling of the standard estimators. Furthermore, it would be the first time to include so-called B-mode polarisation in the constraints on NGs. This will require new simulations that include B-mode polarisation. Developed estimators will have to be tested for unforeseen biases, foreground contamination (e.g. polarised dust) and other sources of confusion. Methods need to be developed to mitigate these nuisances.
The main outcome of this project will be the first analysis of CMB data looking for massive particles in CMB polarisation data.
The predicted signatures can lead to coupling of primordial tensor and scalar degrees of freedom. Some numerical challenges need to be overcome, such as the fact that the intrinsic coupling between tensor and scalars will lead to less optimal computational scaling of the standard estimators. Furthermore, it would be the first time to include so-called B-mode polarisation in the constraints on NGs. This will require new simulations that include B-mode polarisation. Developed estimators will have to be tested for unforeseen biases, foreground contamination (e.g. polarised dust) and other sources of confusion. Methods need to be developed to mitigate these nuisances.
The main outcome of this project will be the first analysis of CMB data looking for massive particles in CMB polarisation data.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/P006787/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2024 | |||
| 1947326 | Studentship | ST/P006787/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | Benjamin Beringue |
| Description | The Simons Observatory |
| Organisation | Simons Observatory |
| Country | Chile |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I have been directly involved in developing and implementing novel data analysis techniques (component separation) for the Simons Observatory. |
| Collaborator Contribution | My PhD supervisor is also directly involved in the collaboration as well. |
| Impact | - Collaboration papers, - Codes and data analysis techniques, published on GitHub |
| Start Year | 2018 |