Science with spectral distortions of the CMB monopole and its synergies

Jens Chluba (University of Manchester)

August 21, 2023

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Abstract: CMB spectral distortions have now been recognized as one of the main new targets in cosmology. This is due to significant advancements in both theory and experimental capabilities since the observations with COBE/FIRAS in the 90s. In this talk, I will give a broad-brush overview of some of the recent developments and try to highlight how CMB spectral distortions can be used to probe inflation and particle physics. I will also mention recent works on the link of CMB spectral distortions with 21cm cosmology, a topic that has seen increased interest due to the puzzling radio synchrotron background and EDGES result.