Quantum Physics and Gravitation

Aim

The aim of the working group is to investigate new questions at the interface of astrophysics, gravitation, quantum theory and physics of the early universe.

Project description

The working group focuses on the new experimental developments in the above-mentioned research areas. These include in particular the discovery and properties of gravitational waves, black holes, stars and their surrounding exoplanets, including the question of the origin of life in the universe, as well as the possibilities emerging today to carry out quantum mechanical tests of gravitation with precision measurements.

Various aspects of the physics of the early universe, the topic of the completed working group "New Challenges of Cosmology", remain important here. In the coming years, the constituents of dark matter could be discovered in astrophysical observations or in the laboratory. The same applies to the expected effects of primordial gravitational waves in cosmic background radiation and to the effects of dark energy on mass distribution in the cosmos.

Perspectives and review

- Autumn 2020, Hamburg: Workshop "eRosita and Dark Energy"
- 11-13 February 2019, DESY Hamburg: Workshop "Primordial black holes, de Sitter space and quantum tests of gravity"