Dr. Tom Giblin
Kenyon College
(P)reheating, Nonlinear Gravity and Primordial Black Holes
Location: 4138 Physics Research Building
Abstract: We have no direct evidence that general relativity is wrong; every precision test is a resounding confirmation of this elegant and powerful mathematical model. At the same time, we are just starting to learn how general relativity—beyond perturbation theory—requires us to revisit assumptions in cosmological contexts. In this talk, I will describe recent progress we have made in simulating different models of preheating using full numerical relativity. I will talk about how nonlinear gravity helps to resolve the breakdown of linearized gravity and comment on the possibilities of black holes from preheating. I will also discuss progress toward understanding primordial black hole formation in the presence of cosmic fluctuations.
