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Inflationary cosmology

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This series of lectures gives a pedagogical review of the subject of cosmological inflation. I discuss Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmology and the horizon and flatness problems of the standard hot Big Bang, and introduce inflation as a solution to those problems, focusing on the simple scenario of inflation from a single scalar field. I discuss quantum modes in inflation and the generation of primordial tensor and scalar fluctuations. Finally, I provide comparison of inflationary models to the WMAP satellite measurement of the Cosmic Microwave Background, and briefly discuss future directions for inflationary physics. The majority of the lectures should be accessible to advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students with only a background in Special Relativity, although familiarity with General Relativity and quantum field theory will be helpful for the more technical sections.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTASI 2008 - Proceedings of the 2008 Theoretical Advanced Study Institute in Elementary Particle Physics
Subtitle of host publicationThe Dawn of the LHC Era
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd
Pages623-707
Number of pages85
ISBN (Print)981283835X, 9789812838353
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event2008 Theoretical Advanced Study Institute in Elementary Particle Physics, TASI 2008: The Dawn of the LHC Era - Boulder, CO, United States
Duration: Jun 2 2008Jun 27 2008

Publication series

NameTASI 2008 - Proceedings of the 2008 Theoretical Advanced Study Institute in Elementary Particle Physics: The Dawn of the LHC Era

Conference

Conference2008 Theoretical Advanced Study Institute in Elementary Particle Physics, TASI 2008: The Dawn of the LHC Era
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoulder, CO
Period06/2/0806/27/08

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