Research

Astronomy & Space Sciences

Title :

Probing quantum effects in the early universe cosmology

Area of research :

Astronomy & Space Sciences

Focus area :

Astrophysics and Cosmology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Sumanta Chakraborty, Indian Association For The Cultivation Of Science, West Bengal

Timeline Start Year :

2024

Timeline End Year :

2027

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

Quantum effects of gravity, if observed, are going to open a new window of research in gravitational physics. Such effects are certainly present in the strong gravity regime, and the initial moments of our universe are one of the best places to probe for such quantum features. The theoretical study of these effects and how they may affect various observations is the main aim of this project. In particular, we are in the midst of a revolutionary era in gravitational physics, which will shape the future of both theoretical gravitational physics, as well as that of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. On one hand, the current and upcoming gravitational wave detectors are going to shed light on the near-horizon regime of black holes, and on the other, the Planck measurement of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation (CMBR) have provided unprecedented details about the early universe cosmology, wherein the quantum effects of the early universe are also possibly embedded. Such quantum effects can arise from two distinct scenarios, first of all, from quantum gravity effects in the early universe, and secondly, the quantum nature of the matter perturbations. We wish to explore both of these directions in this project.

Total Budget (INR):

6,60,000

Organizations involved