Summary
It is a fundamental principle of physics that there is a unified system of laws governing all scales from subatomic particles to the Cosmos. It is believed that the Universe, evolving from the initial hot Big Bang, would have undergone a series of symmetry-breaking phase transitions with observationally significant consequences such as the formation of topological defects. Direct experimental tests of these ideas are infeasible, but transitions described by very similar equations occur in experimentally accessible condensed-matter systems at low temperatures.
The aim of this programme is to exploit this analogy through studies of ultra-low-temperature superfluid helium and of other condensed-matter systems, such as atomic Bose condensates, superconductors, Josephson junction arrays and liquid crystals, together with theoretical work to establish the validity of the analogy. The required sensitivity demands the most sophisticated apparatus, in particular state-of-the-art cryogenic equipment.
Duration
5 years, from July 2001 to December 2006.
ESF provides the scientific, administrative and technical secretariat for COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).