Introduction to the Theory of the Early Universe

This book is written from the viewpoint that a deep connection exists between cosmology and particle physics. It presents the results and ideas on both the homogeneous and isotropic Universe at the hot stage of its evolution and in later stages. The main chapters describe in a systematic and pedagogical way established facts and concepts on the early and the present Universe. The comprehensive treatment, hence, serves as a modern introduction to this rapidly developing field of science. To help in reading the chapters without having to constantly consult other texts, essential materials from General Relativity and the theory of elementary particles are collected in the appendices. Various hypotheses dealing with unsolved problems of cosmology, and often alternative to each other, are discussed at a more advanced level. These concern dark matter, dark energy, matter–antimatter asymmetry, etc.

Particle physics and cosmology underwent rapid development between the first and the second editions of this book. In the second edition, many chapters and sections have been revised, and numerical values of particle physics and cosmological parameters have been updated.
Contents: Cosmology: A PreviewHomogeneous Isotropic UniverseDynamics of Cosmological ExpansionΛCDM: Cosmological Model with Dark Matter and Dark EnergyThermodynamics in Expanding UniverseRecombinationRelic NeutrinosBig Bang NucleosynthesisDark MatterPhase Transitions in the Early UniverseGeneration of Baryon AsymmetryTopological Defects and Solitons in the UniverseColor PagesAppendices:Elements of General RelativityStandard Model of Particle PhysicsNeutrino OscillationsQuantum Field Theory at Finite Temperature
Readership: Students and researchers interested in cosmology and particle physics.
Cosmology;Big Bang Nucleosynthesis;Dark Matter;Dark Energy;Relic Neutrinos;Recombination;Primordial Plasma;Baryogenesis;Topological Defects;Cosmological Phase Transitions;Quintessence;Radiation Domination;Matter Domination;Cosmological Constant;Baryon Asymmetry of the Universe;Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry of the Universe;Cosmological Expansion;Friedmann Equation;Robertson-Walker MetricKey Features:The book reflects the deep connection between particle physics and cosmologyThe book is a unique combination of basic and advanced material useful to both students and researchersThe authors are renowned researchers and academics in the communities of particle physicists and cosmologists