Joint cosmology seminar at Tufts:

Tuesday, March 5, 2013, 2:30 pm
Robinson Hall, Room 250
Tufts University
Refreshments at 2:00 in Knipp Library, Room 251

Detecting Cosmic Superstrings

David Chernoff
Cornell

Abstract:

Abstract: At its beginning, the universe is believed to have grown exponentially in size via inflation but the precise mechanism remains a profound problem for cosmology and for fundamental physics. String theory suggests scenarios that involve the birth and survival of one-dimensional structures of cosmological sizes, namely, cosmic superstrings. Due to clustering similar to dark matter, numerous fossil remnants of these cosmic superstrings may exist within the galaxy. They can be revealed through the optical lensing of background stars and, once detected, can be studied in detail via gravitational wave emission. The talk will cover the clustering and the experimental prospects for hunting for the relics.