Speaker:  Dr. Raman Sundrum, The Johns Hopkins University

Title:   The Cosmological Constant Problem in Fundamental Physics

Abstract:  Einstein introduced into his general theory of relativity a term he called the "cosmological constant". It acts as a type of dark energy that tends to accelerate the universe, in a manner that has only recently been observed. The tremendous puzzle within fundamental physics of understanding why the cosmological constant is so small is reviewed, along with some of the broad theoretical approaches to the problem. The potential relevance of sub-millimeter tests of Newton's Law is discussed, as well as observational probes of the nature of dark energy.

HOME