The particle physics and astrophysical properties of dark compact objects

Abstract: The detection of the Higgs boson in 2012 strongly suggests that at least one fundamental scalar particle exists in the Nature. Moreover, although no compact objects consisting of fundamental scalar bosons have been observed, there is, as of now, no fundamental principle ruling out the existence of compact objects consisting of scalar fields. In this seminar, I will present an introduction to a subset of the compact objects comprising of scalar fields that are known as boson stars. I will discuss various astrophysical properties of boson stars and show how those can markedly differ from the properties of neutron stars. Furthermore, I will highlight the mathematical formalism underlying a proper description of these stars and briefly outline the first results I have obtained on the topic. Finally, contingent on time constraints, I will briefly elucidate the possible connection between boson stars and dark matter.

astrophysicscondensed mattergeneral relativity and quantum cosmologyhigh energy physicsmathematical physicsclassical physicsgeneral physics

Audience: researchers in the topic

Theoretical physics seminar @ Tartu