Unless otherwise stated, cosmology seminars take place from 3.30-4:30pm on Wednesdays during term time, and are held in Room 516 (G.O. Jones building) and online (internal only).
The seminars are usually live streamed at the QMUL Astronomy Unit channel. Check the live stream link for the next seminar below (if available).
When: Wednesday, November 23, 2022, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PMWhere: G. O. Jones building - Room 516, Mile End & online
Speaker: Laura Iacconi (QMUL)
In this talk, I will discuss small-scale enhancements of scalar fluctuations in alpha-attractor models of inflation. In particular, I will focus on single- and multi-field alpha-attractors with an inflection-point potential. In the single-field case, the presence of a non-stationary inflection point leads to a phase of ultra-slow roll inflation, and consequent growth of the scalar fluctuations on small scales. In the multi-field set up, the kinetic term is non-canonical and geometry and turning trajectories in field space are responsible for a peak in the scalar power spectrum on small scales. In both cases, I will connect the large-scale predictions of these models with the small-scale phenomenology, in particular focussing on PBHs production and second-order GWs generation. I will discuss the impact that compatibility with CMB measurements has on the small-scale phenomenology.
Live streaming link
Speaker: Bartolomeo Fiorini (QMUL)
Speaker: Enrico Pajer (DAMTP)
If you would like to give a seminar or attend one of our meetings, please contact the organisers: Caroline Guandalin or Rachel Gray.