Objectif In this exploratory project we will study the non-trivial interrelations between fundamental theory, phenomenology and observation in cosmology, in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of the physics of the early universe, and to identify new promising directions for future research. The project will develop along three interrelated lines of work. First, we will seek new possibilities for cosmological model building in string theory and explore the range of phenomenological features that theory allows. One focal point will be our model of Wilson line inflation, which offers a new path for understanding inflation in heterotic theory - an open problem - and which presents rich phenomenology, including non-Gaussianity and gravitational waves. This connects to our second line of work, which is a quantitative study of the phenomenological features of new and existing models. We will focus on hybrid 2-field models that are both well-motivated and phenomenologically rich, producing isocurvature modes, non-Gaussianity and cosmic strings. We will study these features quantitatively and use our state of the art string evolution model to quantify observational signals coming from cosmic strings. Third, we will explore non-trivial relations between high-energy physics sectors that do not play a dominant role in the early universe, but are part of the same underlying theory and can produce observable signals in the late universe. We will use high quality data in innovative ways to constrain high-energy parameters in the underlying fundamental theory. We shall give special attention to axions (e.g. from type IIB string theory used to build the 2-field models mentioned above) and their coupling to photons, fermions and gravitons. This is an interdisciplinary project combining information from theory, phenomenology and observation to maximize impact. There are many connections between the different lines of work and unexplored areas where new promising directions could be found. Champ scientifique natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomygravitational wavesnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsfermionsnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsstring theorynatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyphysical cosmologynatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinateur THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM Contribution de l’UE € 193 349,60 Adresse University Park NG7 2RD Nottingham Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région East Midlands (England) Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Nottingham Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Paul Cartledge (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
