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A Quest for the Physics Beyond the Cosmological Standard Model

Citation

Ackerman Mayer, Lotty (2010) A Quest for the Physics Beyond the Cosmological Standard Model. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/F0TW-C269. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08252009-151953

Abstract

Recent advances in observational cosmology have culminated in the establishment of the cosmological standard model. In spite of this remarkable achievement, the underlying physics remains unknown.

In this thesis we propose models whose predictions can be compared with observations, and can thereby help us discover this as-yet unknown physics of the Universe. We examine (i) the consequences that a preferred direction during the inflationary era would have on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) anisotropies, (ii) the effect of asymmetric beams in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), (iii) astrophysical consequences of a dark photon that couples only to dark matter, and (iv) explore a mechanism for producing density perturbations during the period of reheating.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:cosmic microwave background; dark matter; theoretical cosmology; particle physics; inflation
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Carroll, Sean M.
Group:Caltech Theory
Thesis Committee:
  • Wise, Mark B. (chair)
  • Kamionkowski, Marc P.
  • Carroll, Sean M.
  • Golwala, Sunil
Defense Date:13 August 2009
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-08252009-151953
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08252009-151953
DOI:10.7907/F0TW-C269
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:5277
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Lotty Ackerman-Mayer
Deposited On:21 Dec 2009 18:02
Last Modified:08 Nov 2019 18:06

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