Jason McEwen (MSSL/UCL)

Title:
Sparse and statistical data analysis for precision cosmology

Abstract:
We have recently entered an era of precision cosmology. The Big Bang cosmological model that describes our Universe explains many cosmological observations to exquisite accuracy, including the relic radiation of the infant Universe, the so-called cosmic microwave background (CMB). However, we remain ignorant of many of the components of this model. We know very little about dark matter and dark energy, which together constitute approximately 95% of the energy content of the Universe. Furthermore, we know very little about the first moments after the birth of our Universe and, in particular, what mechanism seeded the structure we observe in the Universe today, such as galaxies and clusters of galaxies. I will explain how the era of precision cosmology has emerged, thanks in particular to the coupling of large and precise cosmological data-sets with sophisticated data analysis techniques.  I will focus on both sparse and statistical data analysis techniques.  I will also discuss how we can hope to make further progress.