The project has the main goal to perform large-scale computer simulations to study the exit from inflation stage of cosmological evolution. The significance of such studies is that one will be able to understand complex properties of different fundamental particle physics models at extremely high energies. In particular, it may help with clarifying the issues in production of cosmic strings after inflation in various models. This study may have significant implications for string theory and for gravitational wave astronomy. The proposal will be carried out in an undergraduate women's college and will promote teaching and training in programming, data analysis and other computer skills of an underrepresented group. Even though the project is at the forefront of research in particle physics and cosmology, it has important components in which undergraduate women students can actively participate.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Physics (PHY)
Application #
0456631
Program Officer
Barry I. Schneider
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2005-06-01
Budget End
2008-05-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$104,773
Indirect Cost
Name
Smith College
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Northampton
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01063