Fundamental Physics from Cosmic Microwave Background Anisotropies and Gravitational Waves

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Two new observational capabilities promise to revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature and the history and evolution of the Universe: the sensitivity frontier of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB; light from the early Universe) and the detection of gravitational waves (ripples in spacetime). The proposed research program aims to make the necessary connections between these new observational frontiers and theoretical physics to realize this promise, maximizing the science return from impending cosmological and gravitational wave datasets. This timely program has the potential to address some of the most fundamental questions in science such as: What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy? How did the Universe begin? What is the nature of gravitation? ******Ongoing high-resolution measurements of the CMB have reached the precision necessary to access the secondary CMB temperature and polarization anisotropies created when CMB photons interact gravitationally or electromagnetically with dark matter or free electrons, respectively. Using analytic methods and large cosmological simulations, the proposed research will establish how the secondary CMB, in concert with large scale structure (LSS) surveys, can be used to constrain models of the early Universe such as cosmic inflation, dark energy physics, and the nature of gravitation on cosmological scales. The detailed forecasts performed in this research will define the boundary of knowledge accessible in future observations of the CMB and LSS. ******The first detections of gravitational waves from binary black hole and binary neutron star mergers has ushered in the era of gravitational wave astronomy. These events probe gravity at strengths previously inaccessible to experiment. The observed accelerated expansion of the Universe, associated with dark energy, also operates in such a strong gravity regime. The proposed research will exploit connections between these two strong gravity frontiers in order to devise new tests of dark energy, gravitation, and particle physics using black holes, neutron stars, and binary systems. Employing detailed relativistic simulations and analytic calculations, we will elucidate the imprint of fundamental physics on gravitational waveforms and electromagnetic couterparts, producing detailed forecasts for existing and near-future gravitational wave observatories.******The proposed research will vigorously advance my broad goal of developing new ways of testing fundamental physics through its impact on cosmology and astrophysics. The associated training program will produce uniquely qualified HQP well versed in theory and data as well as highly specialized analytic and numerical methods. These skills will enable HQP to pursue a successful future either in high-impact science or industries associated with Canada's growing knowledge economy.