Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1996-02-05
Astrophys.J.471:30-51,1996
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
45pg. aaspp4, 14 figs. minor changes reflect published version; supporting material at http://www.sns.ias.edu/~whu
Scientific paper
10.1086/177951
We study the uniqueness and robustness of acoustic signatures in the cosmic microwave background by allowing for the possibility that they are generated by some as yet unknown source of gravitational perturbations. The acoustic {\it pattern} of peak locations and relative heights predicted by the standard inflationary cold dark matter model is essentially unique and its confirmation would have deep implications for the causal structure of the early universe. A generic pattern for isocurvature initial conditions arises due to backreaction effects but is not robust to exotic source behavior inside the horizon. If present, the acoustic pattern contains unambiguous information on the curvature of the universe even in the general case. By classifying the behavior of the unknown source, we determine the minimal observations necessary for robust constraints on the curvature. The diffusion damping scale provides an entirely model independent cornerstone upon which to build such a measurement. The peak spacing, if regular, supplies a precision test.
Hu Wayne
White Martin
No associations
LandOfFree
Acoustic Signatures in the Cosmic Microwave Background does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Acoustic Signatures in the Cosmic Microwave Background, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Acoustic Signatures in the Cosmic Microwave Background will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-207806