Cosmic Inflation Discovery: BICEP2 Primordial B-modes

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In summary, cosmic inflation is a theory that explains the rapid expansion of the universe after the Big Bang. The BICEP2 experiment was designed to measure a specific type of polarization in the cosmic microwave background radiation, known as primordial B-modes, which would support the inflation theory. In 2014, the BICEP2 team announced the detection of these B-modes, providing strong evidence for cosmic inflation and advancing our understanding of the early universe. This discovery has had a significant impact on the field of cosmology and has opened up new avenues for studying the origins of the universe and the laws of physics.
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Cosmic inflation: 'Spectacular' discovery hailed
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-26605974

BICEP2 2014 Release Papers and Data Products
http://bicepkeck.org/index.html#papers

Commentary by Liam McAllister on Motl's blog
http://motls.blogspot.com/2014/03/bicep2-primordial-gravitational-waves.html

Adam Falkowski's commentary
http://resonaances.blogspot.com/

Matt Strassler's commentary
http://profmattstrassler.com/2014/03/17/bicep2-new-evidence-of-cosmic-inflation/
 
Physics news on Phys.org

1. What is cosmic inflation?

Cosmic inflation is a theory in cosmology that proposes the universe underwent a rapid and exponential expansion in the first fractions of a second after the Big Bang. This theory helps explain the large-scale structure of the universe and the uniformity of the cosmic microwave background radiation.

2. What is the BICEP2 experiment?

The BICEP2 experiment is a telescope located at the South Pole designed to measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background radiation. It was specifically looking for a specific type of polarization pattern called B-mode polarization, which would provide evidence for the theory of cosmic inflation.

3. What are primordial B-modes?

Primordial B-modes refer to a particular pattern of polarization in the cosmic microwave background radiation that is predicted by the theory of cosmic inflation. These B-modes are thought to have been created during the rapid expansion of the universe and can provide evidence for the inflation theory.

4. What did the BICEP2 team discover?

The BICEP2 team announced in 2014 that they had detected B-mode polarization in the cosmic microwave background radiation, providing strong evidence for the theory of cosmic inflation. This discovery was considered a major breakthrough in the field of cosmology and was widely celebrated by the scientific community.

5. What impact does the BICEP2 discovery have on our understanding of the universe?

The BICEP2 discovery of primordial B-modes provides strong support for the theory of cosmic inflation and our understanding of the early universe. It also opens up new avenues for studying the origins of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics.

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