Challenges for String Cosmology

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the difficulties in using string theory to describe the universe and to be tested by cosmological experiments, highlighting current limitations and potential areas for progress.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of the major obstacles in string cosmology and discusses possible avenues for future theoretical advancements.

Findings

Identifies key limitations in current string cosmology models.

Highlights the gap between string theory and observable cosmological data.

Suggests areas where theoretical progress could be made soon.

Abstract

We critically assess the twin prospects of describing the observed universe in string theory, and using cosmological experiments to probe string theory. For the purposes of this short review, we focus on the limitations imposed by our incomplete understanding of string theory. After presenting an array of significant obstacles, we indicate a few areas that may admit theoretical progress in the near future.