CAREER: Model-Independent Constraints on Fundamental Physics Using Cosmological Data

AST-0094335博士王云将开展一项研究和教育计划，重点是宇宙学的研究。 她的研究计划集中在探索使用两个独立的宇宙学数据集，Ia型超新星（SNe Ia）和宇宙微波背景各向异性（CMB），以提供对基本物理参数的模型独立约束。 超新星Ia为我们提供了一个独特的探测宇宙中未知的能量含量，暗能量。 利用创新技术，王博士将研究它们对暗能量状态方程提供的约束，作为时间的任意函数，来自当前和未来的SN Ia调查。 CMB数据使我们能够探测非常早期宇宙的物理学。 王博士将改进和扩展她以前的工作，确定原始物质密度波动的光谱，参数化为波长的任意函数。 使用新的分析方法和数值工具，她将分析当前和未来的CMB观测，这将为构建正确的膨胀模型来描述早期宇宙的物理学提供观测指导。王博士将利用俄克拉荷马州大学的独特机会，将她的研究融入教育活动。 她将通过在荣誉学院举办一系列关于宇宙学的研究，旨在吸引优秀学生在早期进入该领域，让荣誉学院和其他大学的学生通过大学的研究经验参与研究本科生计划，并将本科生包括在她的研究团队中。 她还将为研究生和高年级本科生开发宇宙学课程，并将为当地社区提供宇宙学公开讲座。

AST-0094335Dr. Yun Wang will carry out a program of research and education that focuses on studies in cosmology. Her research plan is centered on exploring the use of two independent cosmological data sets, the type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and the cosmic microwave background anisotropy (CMB) to provide model-independent constraints on fundamental physical parameters. SNe Ia provide us with a unique probe into the unknown energy content of the universe, the dark energy. Using innovative techniques, Dr. Wang will study the constraints they provide on the equation of state of the dark energy, as an arbitrary function of time, from current and future SN Ia surveys. CMB data allow us to probe the physics in the very early universe. Dr. Wang will improve and expand on her previous work on the determination of the spectrum of the primordial matter density fluctuations, parameterized as an arbitrary function of wavelength. Using new analytical methods and numerical tools, she will analyze current and future CMB observations that will provide observational guidance for constructing the correct inflationary model to describe physics in the early universe. Dr. Wang will take advantage of the unique opportunities at the University of Oklahoma in integrating her research into educational activities. She will involve undergraduates in research by presenting a series on cosmology at the honors college, designed to attract outstanding students to the field at an early age, by engaging students from the honors college and other universities in research through the University's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, and by including undergraduate students in her research team. She will also develop a cosmology course for graduate and upper level undergraduate students, and will offer public lectures in cosmology to the local community.