›Science with CMB spectral distortions: an unexplored window to the early Universe

Speaker: Jens Chluba
From: Johns Hopkins U.

Since COBE/FIRAS we know that the CMB spectrum is extremely close to a perfect blackbody. There are, however, a number of processes in the early Universe that should create spectral distortions at a level that is within reach of present day technology. I will give an overview of recent theoretical and experimental developments, explaining why future measurements of the CMB spectrum could open up an unexplored window to early universe and particle physics, with the potential for non-standard surprises.