9406745 Freese Research in theoretical astrophysics will involve an examination of the occurrence of phase transitions in the early universe. Two specific phenomena are studied. The first concerns the rapid expansion of the universe not long after its beginning, and the research focuses on the mechanism for this inflation. The second concerns the effects arising from the binding of quarks into ordinary particles. Research in this area focuses on the formation of "stringy" objects that accompany this transition. The results of the work provide a clearer picture of what happens during a critical period in the evolution of the universe. ***
