HET seminar: Guilherme Pimentel

Speaker: Guilherme Pimentel

Title: The primordial universe as a particle detector

Abstract: After a review of the theory of inflationary perturbations, in particular non-Gaussianity and tensor fluctuations, I will explain how future measurements will allow us to learn more about the particle content and the dynamics of inflation. I also emphasize the role of conformal symmetry and its breaking in determining both the shape and size of inflationary perturbations. If time permits, I will make some comments about the wavefunction of the universe, the Wheeler-deWitt equation, and soft graviton theorems.