Title: Recent updates to Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
Speaker: Prof. Keith Olive (Minnesota U.)
Abstract: Big bang nucleosynthesis provides a window to the physics of the universe just seconds after the big bang. It predictions of the light element abundances of D, $^4$He, and $^7$Li can be compared with observational determinations. Over the last several years, significant progress has been made on several fronts. First and foremost, results from Planck measurements of the microwave background have provided precise values for the baryon density of the universe, a key input used in abundance predictions. We now have good precision on Deuterium abundance determinations, and a path towards significant improvements in Helium determinations. Finally, recent nuclear cross section data and its effect on BBN precision is also discussed.
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