Particles of a de Sitter Universe

Abstract: The de Sitter spacetime is a maximally symmetric spacetime. It is one of the vacuum solutions to Einstein equations with a cosmological constant. It is the solution with a positive cosmological constant and describes a universe undergoing accelerated expansion. Among the possible signs for a cosmological constant, this solution is relevant for primordial and late-time cosmology. In the case of zero cosmological constant, studies on the representations of its isometry group have led to a broader understanding of particle physics. The isometry group of $d+1$-dimensional de Sitter is the group $SO(d+1,1)$, whose representations are well known. Given this insight what can we learn about the elementary degrees of freedom in a four dimensional de Sitter universe by exploring how the unitary irreducible representations of $SO(4,1)$ present themselves in cosmological setups? This article aims to summarize recent advances along this line that benefit towards a broader understanding of quantum field theory and holography at different signs of the cosmological constant. Particular focus is given to the manifestation of $SO(4,1)$ representations at the late-time boundary of de Sitter. The discussion is concluded by pointing towards future questions at the late-time boundary and the static patch with a focus on the representations.