Tufts/CfA/MIT Cosmology Seminar, at MIT:

Tuesday, February 14, 2006
2:30 pm
Center for Theoretical Physics Seminar Room
Building NE25, Fourth Floor
Refreshments at 2:00, same location

"Quantum Gravity and the Dark Sector"


Scott Watson
University of Toronto

Abstract:

Consistent quantum theories of gravity generically contain additional symmetries and new degrees of freedom beyond those of the standard model of particle physics. Given the success of the Standard model and more recently the precision data of cosmological observations, there are very tight constraints on possible modifications. However, we will find that by focusing on cosmological (time-dependent) solutions, it may not only be possible to address the cosmological moduli problem, but also to obtain a viable alternative to the Lambda CDM model. In addition, the dynamics of the models we will discuss may help address hierarchy and fine-tuning problems within the standard model of both particle physics and cosmology.

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