Dr. Thomas Colas

Biography

Thomas Colas is a theoretical cosmologist whose research focuses on Open Effective Field Theories and non-unitary effects in the early universe. He employs techniques from quantum information theory and non-equilibrium Quantum Field Theory to apply condensed matter tools to cosmology, aiming to enhance the understanding of the inflationary era. His research interests encompass Open Quantum Systems and Effective Field Theories in Curved Space, with striking predictions in standard model cosmology regarding the origins of cosmic inhomogeneities via quantum fluctuations of the primordial vacuum. His endeavors provide a quantum description that addresses uncertainties in early universe modeling, pertaining to inflation's fundamental properties such as mass and spin. Colas's work highlights the importance of accurate descriptions of quantum histories in the universe, especially in light of scale-invariant, Gaussian adiabatic scalar perturbations and their quantum mechanical origins, which have been extensively validated using Cosmic Microwave Background and Large Scale Structures data. Through Effective Field Theories, he aims to systematically explore extensions of adiabatic evolution while integrating knowledge of unknown physics in a controllable manner. By utilizing Open Effective Field Theory, he seeks to grasp the quantum level implications of hidden sectors and to account for the out-of-equilibrium nature of cosmological systems. His multifaceted research program sits at the intersection of quantum optics, condensed matter, and high energy physics.

Research Interests

Experience