Thesis

Seeking signatures of dark energy

• Call:

  PT-CERN Call 2021/1

• Academic Year:

  2021

• Domain:

  Astroparticle Physics

• Supervisor:

  Tiago Barreiro

• Co-Supervisor:

  Nelson Nunes

• Institution:

  FCUL (Universidade de Lisboa)

• Host Institution:

  IA - Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço

• Abstract:

  This project addresses some of the most important questions in cosmology: Is dark energy accelerating the Universe? What are dark matter and dark energy? Do they interact with each other? How can future missions help addressing these unknowns? The project subtends three different steps: The first consists in the construction of a general class of dark energy theories, not only scalar but also higher spinor, as well as the modification of the geometrical part of Einstein’s equations. It also includes the study of their phenomenology. The second step investigates the linear and non-linear smaller scales, by using both analytical and numerical techniques. These will be put to test against the most up-to-date observational data available. The third step is dedicated to forecast the capabilities that future large surveys have to distinguish between compelling models beyond LCDM. The focus will be Euclid, LISA and ELT-HIRES missions, in all of which the Instituto de Astrofísica (IA) has a strong involvement.