Test particles in Cosmic string space-times

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Betti Hartmann
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields
• Term: from 2010 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 166999034

Cosmic strings are a general prediction of inflationary models resulting from Grand Unified Theories and String Theory. An observation of these objects would give strong support of these theories. Observations of cosmic strings are either possible by identifying their signals in the Cosmic Microwave background or by direct detection through particle motion in cosmic string space–times, which we are concerned with in this project. The aim of this project is the systematic analysis of geodesics in space–times containing cosmic strings, in particular the determination of the complete set of analytical and also of numerical solutions and the calculation of observable consequences. The starting point are space-times that contain cosmic strings in the thin string limit, where analytic solutions of the geodesic equations are possible. In contrast to this, cosmic string solutions with finite core radius are only known numerically such that the corresponding geodesic equations can also only be solved numerically. This project is aimed at strengthening the collaborations between the Field theory group at Jacobs University Bremen and the Fundamental Physics group at ZARM, Bremen. The ZARM group has strong expertise in analytic and numerical solutions of geodesic equations, while the group at Jacobs University has strong expertise in solving Einstein’s equations analytically and numerically. The present project brings both expertises together.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Claus Lämmerzahl