Cluster Head: Allan L. Alinea (alalinea@up.edu.ph)
Cluster Head: Allan L. Alinea (alalinea@up.edu.ph)
The cluster is involved with the investigation of inflationary cosmology. This field is effectively a merger of ideas from particle physics (quantum fields and fundamental particles) and cosmology (the universe). On top of this, the cluster is also involved in the study of nuclear physics within the context of astrophysics such as nucleosynthesis in the early universe. At the undergraduate level, students may venture into the wider area of astrophysics including planetary simulations, structure formation, numerical relativity, amongst others. The cluster aims to advance the field of Astrophysics, Particle Physics, and Nuclear Physics in the country.
Cosmology and Particle Physics. The areas of cosmology and particle physics might seem at first sight, like two non-intersecting sets; one deals with something very big while the other one deals with very small things. However, in the course of evolution of the Universe, it was once “small”; in fact, unimaginably very “small”. In order to investigate the “small” Universe and how it brought to life the “big” Universe that we have now, we need to combine Particle Physics and Cosmology. Our area of research is basically just this combination; in particular, we deal with inflationary cosmology. It involves the study of primordial cosmological perturbations that gave rise to what we nowadays observe as galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
Astrophysics and Nuclear Physics. In the course of study of astrophysical systems knowledge of nuclear physics, is crucial in investigating thermonuclear reactions, radiation, nucleon interactions, and formation of elements amongst others. Furthermore, in the context of cosmology, nuclear physics play an important role in understanding nucleosynthesis in the early stages of the development of the Universe. On top of cosmology and particle physics, currently the group is involved in the study of nuclear physics within the context of astrophysics (and cosmology). We are open for new brilliant minds to enrich our group and extend the current boundary of our study of nuclear physics.
