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Exploring the Dawn of the universe using Ab-Initio Simulations

Project description

New models to capture the birth and growth of cosmic structures

The early universe underwent accelerated expansion known as inflation. During this period, quantum fluctuations in the primordial density field served as the initial conditions for all cosmic structures. Current predictions rely on simplified analytical techniques (related to perturbation theory) that limit understanding of these fluctuations. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EDAIS project will transform understanding of their role in expansion by creating the first ab initio cosmological simulation. This simulation will combine enhanced lattice simulations of inflation with advanced N-body simulations to map the universe’s evolution from the inflation to the present day. Researchers will develop open-source tools and detailed maps of the universe for selected cosmological models that will establish new standards in cosmology.

Objective

Inflation, the accelerated expansion of the early universe, is a leading mechanism for explaining the origins of perturbations in the primordial universe. During this epoch, tiny quantum fluctuations are imprinted in the primordial density field, serving as the initial conditions for the formation of all structures in the cosmos.
To date, predictions from inflation have been limited to analytical techniques based on perturbation theory. The EDAIS proposal aims to revolutionise our understanding of primordial fluctuations and their role in structure formation by developing the first ab initio cosmological simulation. This simulation will begin deep within the inflationary era and extend to the present-day distribution of matter in the universe. This groundbreaking technology will surpass standard approximations, offering new insights into the properties of the large-scale structure predicted by inflation.
Recent advances in lattice simulations of inflation have enabled predictions of non-Gaussian primordial fields, emerging from interactions during inflation. The initial phase of the EDAIS project will focus on significantly enhancing these simulations. Once the necessary resolution and accuracy are achieved, the resulting primordial density field will serve as the initial condition for state-of-the-art N-body simulations. This comprehensive approach will allow for the creation of physical maps of the present-day universe, which will be benchmarked against standard approximations to assess the strength of this novel methodology.
The anticipated outcomes include an open-source ab initio code and ab initio maps of the universe for selected cosmological models, all publicly available for the research community. This technology is expected to establish a new standard in cosmology, benefiting both theoretical and observational researchers, as well as major experimental collaborations.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM
Net EU contribution
€ 232 916,16
Total cost
No data