Project description
Search for cosmic fields could have implications for physics beyond the standard model
Cosmic strings are theoretical, 1D defects in the fabric of space-time, predicted by extensions of the standard model. These strings might emit detectable gravitational waves (GWs). If present, these waves may be observed by current and future experiments like LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK), LISA and the Einstein Telescope. Detecting cosmic strings would provide significant insight into beyond standard model physics and potentially reveal new fundamental fields. Current methods of searching for cosmic strings using LVK data rely on the Nambu-Goto approximation, which is inaccurate in high-curvature regions where strong GWs are emitted. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GWStrings project will produce accurate waveforms for cosmic string cusp configurations using numerical relativity and match them to analytic models to determine their validity.
Objective
Cosmic strings are motivated by simple extensions to the Standard Model of particle physics (BSM), including dark matter axion models (axion cosmology), superstring theory and grand unified theories. If present, cosmic strings will radiate gravitational waves (GWs) which could be detected by current and future GW experiments, such as LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK), LISA and the Einstein Telescope. Detection or bounds placed on cosmic strings provide deep insight into BSM particle physics models, and are a potential discovery channel for new fundamental fields.
Searches for cosmic strings in LVK data have to date used analytic waveforms predicted using the Nambu-Goto (NG) approximation. This is problematic, as the NG model is known to be inaccurate in precisely the high-curvature regions from which the strongest GW signals are emitted. These waveforms have never been verified by numerical simulation, so current matched template searches may not provide useful information or constraints. GWStrings will address this by producing the first waveforms for cosmic string cusp configurations in full numerical relativity (NR) and using them to perform a matched template search in the LVK data. GWStrings will also match these waveforms to current analytic models to determine their validity. Simulations will be implemented using the adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) NR code, GRChombo.
GWStrings will require crucial input from researchers in two key areas: theoretical understanding of fundamental fields in the strong gravity regime, and GW source modelling and data analysis. The first will be provided through a secondment at Sapienza University of Rome in the world-leading gravity theory group of Prof Paulo Pani. The second will be provided by the HECAP group at ICTP, the host institute, whose foundational focus lies in connecting astroparticle physics, high energy physics and cosmology, where the project supervisor Prof Giovanni Villadoro, is an internationally-recognised expert in high energy physics theory and phenomenology, particularly BSM axion strings.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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75007 PARIS
France
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