A scale model for the early Universe
The Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM) has awarded Prof. Diederik Roest of the Van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity a ‘FOM-Projectruimte’ grant for his project A scale model for the early Universe.
![Planck satellite measuring the cosmic microwave background](/fwn/news/20150506_Roest3.jpg)
Recent measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) by the Planck satellite have mapped out the early Universe in unprecedented detail. This has yielded crucial information on the properties of inflation, the proposed phase of accelerated expansion after the Big Bang during which the Universe became completely smooth up to quantum fluctuations. The properties of these quantum fluctuations can still be measured today as temperature fluctuations and polarization patterns in the CMB.
The Planck results suggest a remarkably simple characterization of this inflationary Universe, which can be phrased as an effective scale model. In his project, Roest investigates the observational predictions and the theoretical basis of this scale model. The latter includes e.g. the relation to cosmological attractors and spontaneous symmetry breaking. This will enhance our understanding of the inflationary phase, which has set the initial conditions for the entire Universe.
Last modified: | 10 February 2017 3.00 p.m. |
More news
-
17 July 2024
Veni-grants for ten researchers in Groningen
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded a Veni grant of up to €320,000 each to ten researchers of the University of Groningen and the UMCG. The Veni grants are designed for outstanding researchers who have recently gained a PhD.
-
15 July 2024
Funding for RUG researchers from National Growth Fund programme Circular Plastics NL
For research on making plastics circular, Professors Patrizio Raffa and Katja Loos together receive about 1.2 million euros from the National Growth Fund programme Circular Plastics NL.
-
09 July 2024
NWO Open Technology funding for improving quality 3D printing technology
Dr. Liangliang Cheng receives a NWO OPT grant of EUR 950,000 for research on safer application of metals in 3D printing technology.