Scientists propose test of string theory

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Jan. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. cosmologists have proposed ancient light absorbed by neutral hydrogen atoms could be used to test certain predictions of string theory.

But the University of Illinois scientists admit that would require building a gigantic array of radio telescopes on Earth, in space or on the moon.

String theory posits the cosmos' fundamental building blocks are tiny one-dimensional filaments called strings. However, finding ways to test string theory has been difficult.

Professor Benjamin Wandelt suggests absorption features in the 21-centimeter spectrum of neutral hydrogen atoms could be used for such a test.

"High-redshift, 21-centimeter observations provide a rare observational window in which to test string theory … and show whether or not it makes sense to embed a type of inflation -- called brane inflation -- into string theory," he said.

"If we embed brane inflation into string theory, a network of cosmic strings is predicted to form," he added. "We can test this prediction by looking for the impact this cosmic string network would have on the density of neutral hydrogen in the universe."

Wandelt and graduate student Rishi Khatri detail their complex theory in a paper accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters.