Probing Inflation with Primordial Messengers

by Dr. Matteo Fasiello

Ift Madrid

at Astrophysics and Cosmology Seminar

Wed, 02 Jun 2021, 11:10
Sacta-Rashi Building for Physics (54), room 207

Abstract

Some of our best ideas on early universe physics are about to be put to the test by an unprecedented array of cosmological probes. This combined wealth of information holds the potential to transform our understanding of cosmology and, possibly, also particle physics. In this context probing the earliest accessible epoch, inflation, is crucial: it can provide a cosmological portal to otherwise inaccessible energy scales. This is the “cosmological collider” idea. The success of the inflationary paradigm in explaining the origin of cosmic structure demands that we tackle a number of compelling questions still in need of an answer:
what is the energy scale of inflation? what about its particle content?
In this talk I will review recent progress on the inflationary field content. I will survey different approaches and provide examples including axion-inflation models and the so-called effective theory approach. I will then focus on the key observables, starting with primordial gravitational waves, and discuss their prospects for detection.

Created on 30-05-2021 by Zitrin, Adi (zitrin)
Updaded on 30-05-2021 by Zitrin, Adi (zitrin)