Science with CMB Spectral Distortions: a New Window to Early-Universe Physics – Jens Chluba
Date: Tue. March 18th, 2014, 11:30 am-12:30 pmLocation: Rockefeller 221
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.