The inflationary Universe - from theory to observations

Abstract

The inflationary Universe resolves some of the most outstanding issues of standard cosmology including the horizon and flatness problems and the origin of density fluctuations in the Universe. Inflationary models also predict the existence of a relic gravity wave background. Both gravity waves and density fluctuations induce fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the discovery of large angle anisotropies in the CMB having the scale invariant spectrum predicted by inflationary models has fuelled the hope that the inflationary scenario may indeed provide the correct description of the very early Universe. Upcoming large scale galaxy surveys (SDSS & 2dF) and CMB missions (MAP, Planck Surveyor) will further probe the inflationary scenario by throwing light on the origin and evolution of large scale structure in the Universe.