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https://archief.nwo-i.nl/en/news/2014/12/01/the-fingerprint-of-the-big-bang-and-the-quantum-origin-of-structure/

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March 16th 2025
11:10:39
Print this page 1 December 2014

The fingerprint of the Big Bang and the quantum origin of structure

The current distribution of matter (including galaxies, gas and dark matter) in the universe is a consequence of miniscule fluctuations in the density and temperature of the early hot universe. These variations in the cosmic microwave background radiation have been very precisely observed by the Planck satellite. The unusual properties of these variations indicate that their origin is located in quantum effects, which occurred a fraction of a fraction of a second after the Big Bang. The universe then experienced a brief period of accelerated expansion called cosmic inflation. 

This research programme wants to further study and understand the origin and evolution of these quantum effects. The first objective is to determine exactly how cosmic inflation works. The energy density during the inflation period is many times greater than can ever be achieved in the largest particle accelerator on earth. It offers a unique possibility to study high-energy particle physics, far beyond the current standard model of elementary particles. The second objective of this research is to expose the effect of the quantum fluctuations on the current structure of the universe. How did these fluctuations evolve? How have they led to the distribution of galaxies and other structures currently present in the universe? This knowledge is very important to be able to relate the future observations by the Euclid satellite of the large-scale structure of the universe to the initial conditions that were generated by cosmic inflation.

Programme leader Ana Achúcarro: "The distribution of matter in the universe and the ripples in the cosmic microwave background are like a fossil record: if you know what to look for, you can trace the history of the contents of the universe all the way back to a fraction of a fraction of a second after the Big Bang."

This programme is a collaboration between:

  • Leiden University: A. Achúcarro, A. Boyarsky, K. Schalm;
  • University of Amsterdam: B. Freivogel, J.P van der Schaar;
  • Utrecht University: E. Pajer, T. Prokopec;
  • University of Groningen: D. Roest;
  • FOM Institute Nikhef: M. Postma. 
     

    programme titel: Observing the big bang: the quantum universe and its imprint on the sky 
    programme leader: Prof.dr. A. Achúcarro
    research groups at: Universiteit Leiden, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Universiteit Utrecht, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen en Nikhef
    duration: 2015 - 2019
    budget: M€ 2,3
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