Topic: inflation

Petar Suman explores how higher-order statistics of the cosmic microwave background connect inflationary theory to observations. Although single-field inflation explains the origin of primordial fluctuations, its particle-physics mechanism remains uncertain. The first part examines the cosmological-collider programme: massive fields during inflation can leave oscillatory signatures in primordial non-Gaussianity, allowing measurements to constrain the masses and spins of early-universe particles. The second treats inflation as an open quantum system. An open effective field theory describes dis

This four-year NewPhysCMB appointment develops lattice simulations of scalar and gauge fields during inflation. Research includes nonlinear primordial density fluctuations, extension to non-Abelian gauge fields, chiral gravitational waves and simulated CMB and large-scale structure observables. The researcher will work with Eiichiro Komatsu and Drew Jamieson. The nominal start is 1 September 2027, with earlier starts possible.

Fraser Cain and Pamela L. Gay explore what cosmology can establish about the universe’s earliest history and where knowledge remains limited. The discussion covers inflation, the separation of forces, the emergence of particles and nuclei, and density fluctuations that seed later structure. Recombination and the cosmic microwave background lead into the dark ages, the first stars and reionization, with observations including JWST helping test models of the early universe. Pamela Gay is a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute. This Astronomy Cast episode was published on 14 Septem

This research panel explores how large and unconventional datasets can produce high-frequency inflation forecasts. Its starting point is renewed concern about inflation following substantial monetary and fiscal stimulus. Alberto Cavallo presents research on real-time inflation measurement. Yves Lemperiere, Adam Rej, José Scheinkman and Michael Woodford join the discussion of alternative data and its economic and financial applications. The panel connects timely measurement with the problem of assessing inflation while conventional economic statistics arrive with a delay.