Topological Term in the Einstein Equation and Consequences for Cosmology

Explore a physics colloquium lecture that delves into a fundamental modification of general relativity focusing on topology and global universe curvature. Learn about two key theoretical motivations behind this modification: establishing a non-relativistic limit for any topology and ensuring a well-posed variational principle. Examine how this alteration impacts cosmological expansion laws by eliminating the curvature parameter, marking a significant departure from the Standard Model. Discover the implications for Cosmic Microwave Background observations and understand how this topological modification enables the construction of a canonically quantizable inflationary scenario for any background curvature - a feat not achievable in traditional general relativity.