Lectures on string theory and cosmology

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent developments in applying string theory to cosmology, covering models like brane cosmology, inflation, transplanckian signatures, and holography, highlighting theoretical progress and open questions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of string cosmology, including new insights into brane models, inflation, and holography, based on lectures and recent research.

Findings

Discussion of string cosmology models and their implications

Analysis of transplanckian signatures in cosmological observations

Critical evaluation of holography in the context of cosmology

Abstract

In these lectures I review recent attempts to apply string theory to cosmology, including string cosmology and various models of brane cosmology. In addition, the review includes an introduction to inflation as well as a discussion of transplanckian signatures. I also provide a critical discussion of the possible role of holography. The material is based on lectures given in January 2004 at the RTN String School in Barcelona, but also contain some additional material.