Exploring the Dark Energy Domain – Dragan Huterer

Date: Tue. November 21st, 2006, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Location: Rockefeller 221

One of the great mysteries of modern cosmology is the origin and nature of dark energy – a smooth component that contributes about 70% of the total energy density in the universe and causes its accelerated expansion. Here I present results from a comprehensive study of a class of dark energy models, exploring their dynamical behavior using the method of flow equations and the Monte Carlo Markov Chain machinery that have previously been applied to inflationary models. I comment on the current and expected future constraints, insights into the dynamics of dark energy, figures of merit, and a classification of theoretical models.