Big Bang nucleosynthesis as a probe of new physics

Abstract

The Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) model is a cornerstone for the understanding of the evolution of the early universe, making seminal predictions that are in outstanding agreement with the present observation of light element abundances in the universe. Perhaps, the only remaining issue to be solved by theory is the so-called “lithium abundance problem". Dedicated experimental efforts to measure the relevant nuclear cross sections used as input of the model have lead to an increased level of accuracy in the prediction of the light element primordial abundances. The rise of indirect experimental techniques during the preceding few decades has permitted the access of reaction information beyond the limitations of direct measurements. New theoreticaldevelopments have also opened a fertile ground for tests of physics beyond the standard model of atomic,nuclear, statistics, and particle physics. We review the latest contributions of our group for possible solutions of the lithium problem.