Searching for Cosmic Strings in New Observational Windows
Robert Brandenberger
McGill University


Cosmic strings are topologically stable solutions of the field equations in a large class of particle physics models beyond the "Standard Model". If Nature is described by such a model, then a network of cosmic strings inevitably forms in the early universe and survives to the present time. The gravitational effets of these strings lead to unique signatures in cosmological windows such as CMB temperature and polarization maps and 21cm redshift surveys. Loops of string may also play an important role in the formation of globular clusters and super-massive black holes.

Date: Thursday, 3 December 2015
Time: 11:30
Where: Université de Montréal
  Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, local D-460
Contact: Julie Hlavacek-Larrondo