English

Cosmology of the Very Early Universe

High Energy Physics - Theory 2015-05-18 v1 Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology High Energy Physics - Phenomenology

Abstract

In these lectures I focus on early universe models which can explain the currently observed structure on large scales. I begin with a survey of inflationary cosmology, the current paradigm for understanding the origin of the universe as we observe it today. I will discuss some progress and problems in inflationary cosmology before moving on to a description of two alternative scenarios - the Matter Bounce and String Gas Cosmology. All early universe models connect to observations via the evolution of cosmological perturbations - a topic which will be discussed in detail in these lectures.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1003.1745,
  title  = {Cosmology of the Very Early Universe},
  author = {Robert H. Brandenberger},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1003.1745},
  year   = {2015}
}

Comments

38 pages, 15 figures, to be published in the proceedings of the XIV Special Course in Astronomy, Observatorio Nacional, Brazil