Particle Cosmology

Abstract

Particle cosmology is the branch of science that seeks to understand the birth and evolution of the Universe by applying the principles of particle physics. It brings together the physics of the very small (fundamental particles and forces) with the physics of the very large (the structure and evolution of the cosmos). In many ways, the early Universe acts as a natural laboratory - one far more energetic than any collider we can build - offering unique insights into phenomena that may never be accessible on Earth. Cosmological observations such as the Cosmic Microwave Background, the distribution of galaxies, and the accelerating expansion of the Universe serve as windows into the fundamental laws of nature. At the same time, theoretical developments in particle physics have led to theories, such as inflation, baryogenesis, and Dark Matter, that help explain key features of the cosmos.