The Quantum Origin of Structure in the Universe

Add to your list(s) Download to your calendar using vCal

• Dr. Daniel Baumann (DAMTP)
• Monday 03 November 2014, 20:30-21:30
• Winstanley Lecture Theatre, Trinity College.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Mary Fortune.

Quantum fluctuations in the vacuum play an important role in fundamental physics. In this talk, I will show that these fluctuations get stretched to cosmic scales if the early universe experienced a period of inflationary expansion. Using little more than the quantum mechanics of a simple harmonic oscillator, I will compute this effect and explain how it provides the primordial seeds for all structure in the universe. I will show how these predictions compare to recent observations of the cosmic microwave background. Finally, I will speculate about the physical cause for the inflationary expansion.

This talk is part of the Trinity Mathematical Society series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• Guy Emerson's list
• Trinity Mathematical Society
• Winstanley Lecture Theatre, Trinity College
• bld31

Note that ex-directory lists are not shown.