What CMB spectral distortions can teach us about early-universe and particle physics

Jens Chluba, University of Manchester

Since the measurements with COBE/FIRAS in the mid-90's 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 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 new window to early-universe and particle physics, with possible non-standard surprises and several guaranteed signals awaiting us. I will highlight the complementarity of the distortion signals and the CMB anisotropies, illustrating how future distortions measurements could shed new light on different inflation models. 

(The slides will be available here)

Weekly Theory Seminar. Note the time!

Published Jan. 22, 2017 1:00 PM - Last modified Aug. 15, 2023 11:44 AM