Early Universe Physics

Research Group: Astronomy Unit
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 3 - 4
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Project Description

In the standard model of modern cosmology, the very early universe underwent a period of extremely rapid expansion known as inflation. Inflation produces both gravitational waves and fluctuations in the curvature of spacetime, which are necessary to explain the temperature fluctuations in the Cosmic Microwave Background and the origin of large scale structures (galaxies and clusters of galaxies). Inflation is followed by a phase of "reheating" in which the energy density in the field which drives inflation is converted into particles. 

During this project, a student will investigate a topical problem in the area of inflation and reheating.

Comments:

Key elements of a PhD project in early universe physics might include:

• Constructing and studying models of inflation and reheating.
• Developing tools for calculating the correlation functions (the observable properties) of the fluctuations produced by inflation.
• Studying the stochastic dynamics of spectator fields during inflation including the Higgs, and the consequences for our universe.
• Investigating how inflation and the very early universe can produce relics such as primordial black holes, gravitational waves, and dark matter. 

Requirements

A degree in Physics, Mathematics, or similar.

SPCS Academics: Dr Karim Malik | Dr David Mulryne