Objective Inflation provides a natural mechanism to account for the origin of cosmic structures. The generation of primordial inhomogeneities during inflation is usually computed as the result of the (gravitationally-induced) spontaneous creation of quanta from an initial vacuum state. However, as recently pointed out by Agullo and Parker, when the corresponding stimulated creation is considered, the characteristics of the state of the universe at the onset of inflation are not diluted by the inflationary expansion and can be imprinted in the distribution of primordial inhomogeneities. The objective of this research project is to provide a detailed analysis of the consequences of the stimulated creation effect during inflation.We will analyze the consequences of having a totally arbitrary initial state describing metric perturbations at the onset of inflation for the predictions of inflation regarding the Cosmic Microwave Background (CBM) anisotropies and galaxy distribution. We will pay special attention to the effects concerning non-gaussianites. This analysis will provide a characterization of the pattern expected from a generic non-vacuum state and, on the other hand, will show what information about that state can be extracted from observations.On the other hand, the stimulated creation effect opens a window towards the observation of pre-inflationary effects in the CMB and galaxy distribution. The objective of this part of the research project is to work out in detail the predictions arising from quantum gravity proposals of the early universe, and the potential that forthcoming observations have to constrain those proposals. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyphysical cosmologynatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physics Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE EU contribution € 209 033,40 Address TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Renata Schaeffer (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
