Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-03-12
Mon. Not. Roy. Astron. Soc. 389 (2008) 231
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
6 pages, 15 figures in MNRAS style, minor changes to match accepted version
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2008.13550.x
We use Bayesian model selection tools to forecast the Planck satellite's ability to distinguish between different models for the reionization history of the Universe, using the large angular scale signal in the cosmic microwave background polarization spectrum. We find that Planck is not expected to be able to distinguish between an instantaneous reionization model and a two-parameter smooth reionization model, except for extreme values of the additional reionization parameter. If it cannot, then it will be unable to distinguish between different two-parameter models either. However, Bayesian model averaging will be needed to obtain unbiased estimates of the optical depth to reionization. We also generalize our results to a hypothetical future cosmic variance limited microwave anisotropy survey, where the outlook is more optimistic.
Liddle Andrew R.
Mukherjee Pia
No associations
LandOfFree
Planck and reionization history: a model selection view 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 Planck and reionization history: a model selection view, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Planck and reionization history: a model selection view will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-369649