CAREER: Measuring the CMB Polarization Spectrum

Princeton University, Princeton NJ

Investigators

Abstract

Staggs will build a new instrument to measure the as yet undetected polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). In the standard paradigm of cosmology, theory predicts that the CMB will be polarized at the level of a few parts in 106, with an angular spectrum parameterized by ten cosmological parameters, including the cosmological constant, the baryon density, Hubble's constant, and the density of the cold dark matter. Staggs' experiment will not only detect the polarization, but begin tracing out its angular spectrum. The CMB polarization is one of the exciting frontiers of modern cosmology that Staggs will introduce to students in a new class called Cosmology As It Happens. Other topics will include whatever breaking stories about cosmology are in the public eye at the time. Cosmology As It Happens is meant for nonspecialists, and will implement the learn by teaching method of instruction. Students will be placed into small, heterogeneous groups and asked to design web sites for grade-school kids. Local Trenton area fifth graders will be invited into the university to test and critique the websites.