Science with CMB Spectral Distortions: a New Window to Early-Universe Physics

by Dr Jens Chluba (Johns Hopkins University)

Tuesday 6 May 2014, 17:30 → 18:30 Europe/Berlin

3343 (TUM Physik-Department)

Since COBE/FIRAS we know that the CMB spectrum is extremely close to a perfect blackbody. There are, however, a number of processes in the early Universe that should create spectral distortions at a level that is within reach of present day technology. I will give an overview of recent theoretical and experimental developments, explaining why future measurements of the CMB spectrum will open up an unexplored window to early-universe and particle physics, with possible non-standard surprises but also guaranteed signals awaiting us.