PhD project: Understanding the early universe, and the standard model of particle physics
Project description
The further back in time we look (closer to the Big Bang), the simpler the universe got (in all ways that we have so far thought to check). This is the fundamental clue in early universe cosmology, and the question is: what it is trying to tell us?
The observed properties of the primordial density perturbations suggest that they obey a reflecting boundary condition at the Big Bang -- in other words, that the BIg Bang is a kind of mirror (but an unusual kind of "CPT mirror" which reflects in time, rather than space). Starting from this initial fact, my collaborators and I have been led to develop a new theory of the early universe (which we call the CPT-Symmetric Universe picture). As we have gradually understood this picture more and more clearly, we have also become more and more excited about the way it offers more elegant, rigid, predictive explanations for many of the observed properties of the early universe.
But much remains to be done in terms of understanding and testing this theory and its predictions, and the proposed PhD project would be to help in this endeavor.
I also work on various other topics -- including (i) working to understand the origin of the patterns and mathematical structure underpinning the standard model of particle physics, and (ii) the theory of mathematical quasicrystals (like the Penrose tiling) and their surprising connections to fundamental physics -- and my PhD students can also get involved with work on these other topics if they are interested.
Project supervisor
- Dr Latham Boyle (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Fundamental Theory.
- Find out more about Particle Cosmology.
- Find out more about Particle Physics Theory.
- Find out more about the Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.