An Infinity of Worlds: Cosmic Inflation and the Beginning of the Universe

by Will Kinney

Overview

"Introduces cosmological inflation, a landmark theory on what happened before the Big Bang and what it means for other cosmological theories, such as the theory of a multiverse"--

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780262046480
Publisher:	MIT Press
Publication date:	04/05/2022
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Will Kinney is Professor in the Department of Physics at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York.

Table of Contents

Preface ix
The Beginning of the World 1
The Standard Cosmological Model 13
The Cosmic Horizon 37
The Physics of Nothing 65
The Quantum Vacuum and Cosmic Structure 93
Testing Inflation 113
Eternal Inflation and the Multiverse 141
Just So Stories 171
Acknowledgments 201
Glossary 203
Further Reading 209
Notes 211
Index 229

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“In concise, entertaining, and accessible language, An Infinity of Worlds ushers readers to the forefront of cosmology. Will Kinney takes on some of the most controversial issues of current research and treats them with uncommon subtlety and nuance. An excellent read.”
—Brian Greene, Professor of Physics and Mathematics, Columbia University; author of The Elegant Universe
 
“Kinney updates us on the status of physicists’ quest to answer one of the biggest questions humans have asked: How did the universe begin? An honest exposition from a true expert.”
—Sabine Hossenfelder, physicist and author of Lost in Math: How Beauty Leads Physics Astray
 
“Thoroughly documenting the latest observations and challenges to the theory of cosmological inflation, Will Kinney’s shimmering prose demystifies this most-inscrutable cosmic epoch and illuminates the way for future generations to explore its many remaining mysteries.”
—Brian Keating, Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego; author of Losing the Nobel Prize
 
“This book is a refreshing read on some of the deepest mysteries in cosmology. Its valuable insights are accessible to both lay readers and researchers alike.”
—Stephon Alexander, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Brown University; author of Fear of a Black Universe and The Jazz of Physics