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Fundamental cosmology in the E-ELT era: the status and future role of tests of fundamental coupling stability

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Abstract

The observational evidence for the recent acceleration of the universe demonstrates that canonical theories of cosmology and particle physics are incomplete—if not incorrect—and that new physics is out there, waiting to be discovered. The most fundamental task for the next generation of astrophysical facilities is therefore to search for, identify and ultimately characterise this new physics. Here we highlight recent efforts along these lines, mostly focusing on ongoing work by CAUP’s Dark Side Team aiming to develop some of the science case and optimise observational strategies for forthcoming facilities. The discussion is centred on tests of the stability of fundamental couplings (since the provide a direct handle on new physics), but synergies with other probes are also briefly considered. The goal is to show how a new generation of precision consistency tests of the standard paradigm will soon become possible.

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Acknowledgments

This work was done in the context of project PTDC/FIS/111725/2009, The Dark Side of the Universe, from FCT (Portugal). The author is also supported by an FCT Research Professorship, contract reference IF/00064/2012, funded by FCT/MCTES (Portugal) and POPH/FSE (EC). Many interesting discussions with other members of CAUP’s Dark Side team (Ana Catarina Leite, Ana Mafalda Monteiro, José Pedro Vieira, Luís Ventura, Mariana Julião, Marvin Silva, Miguel Ferreira, Pauline Vieizeuf, Pedro Leal and Pedro Pedrosa) as well as with other collaborators in the work discussed herein, have shaped my views on this subject and are gratefully acknowledged.

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Martins, C.J.A.P. Fundamental cosmology in the E-ELT era: the status and future role of tests of fundamental coupling stability. Gen Relativ Gravit 47, 1843 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10714-014-1843-7

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