Carlos J. A. P. Martins
CAUP

Abstract
The deepest enigma of modern physics is whether or not there are any fundamental scalar fields in nature. They have long been part of the standard model of particle physics, but at present there is no definitive evidence for them. More recently it has been realized that they can also play a number of crucial roles in cosmology and astrophysics, and that the early universe may provide us with the best chance of finding them. In this talk I'll briefly discuss some examples of these roles. The talk will (hopefully) be pedagogical, ie the focus will be on the general physical picture rather than on mathematical specifics.

2008 February 27, 13:30

IA/U.Porto
Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (Auditorium)
Rua das Estrelas, 4150-762 Porto