Title: Simulating Large and Rare Perturbations During the Very Early Universe

Abstract: Inflation is a theoretical period of accelerated cosmic expansion in the very early universe, explaining both the observed homogeneity and the origin of the seeds for structure (galaxies etc). In this talk I will first explain this process conceptually, before introducing the stochastic approach to inflation and how it can lead to large and rare perturbations. If large enough, these perturbations can form black holes before the first stars, making them a possible dark matter candidate. Finally, I will present the results of our current research into simulating these extreme events using novel numerical techniques.