Arts & Sciences Events
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Arts & Sciences
[PAST EVENT] Zhen Wang, Physics - Oral Exam for the Ph.D.
May 11, 2016
10am - 1pm
Abstract:
Axion-monodromy inflation models which incorporate a shift symmetry allow for the prediction of observably large primordial gravitational waves while maintaining sufficient number of e-folds of inflation. I will discuss a class of spiral two-field axion-monodromy models with possible hybrid-type termination of inflation. The effects of the field-space metric on inflationary observables has consequences for the viability of these models. I will also present a scenario in which the dynamics of the axions of the inflation models are related to the hierarchy of fermion masses.
Bio:
Zhen Wang was born in Wanzhou, China. He graduated from Sichuan University in Chengdu, China with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in June, 2010. In August 2010, he started his Ph.D. education in the Physics Department of William and Mary under the supervision of Professor Joshua Erlich. His current work focuses on building axion-monodromy inflation models. After graduation, Zhen will move to Houston, TX and start working at CGG, a geoscience company.
Axion-monodromy inflation models which incorporate a shift symmetry allow for the prediction of observably large primordial gravitational waves while maintaining sufficient number of e-folds of inflation. I will discuss a class of spiral two-field axion-monodromy models with possible hybrid-type termination of inflation. The effects of the field-space metric on inflationary observables has consequences for the viability of these models. I will also present a scenario in which the dynamics of the axions of the inflation models are related to the hierarchy of fermion masses.
Bio:
Zhen Wang was born in Wanzhou, China. He graduated from Sichuan University in Chengdu, China with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in June, 2010. In August 2010, he started his Ph.D. education in the Physics Department of William and Mary under the supervision of Professor Joshua Erlich. His current work focuses on building axion-monodromy inflation models. After graduation, Zhen will move to Houston, TX and start working at CGG, a geoscience company.