Model-Independent Constraints on Inflation from the CMB
Cora Dvorkin
University of Chicago
I introduce a general method for constraining the shape of the inflationary
potential from Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature and
polarization power spectra. This approach relates the CMB observables to
the shape of the inflaton potential via a single source function that is
responsible for the observable features in the initial curvature power
spectrum. The source function is, to an excellent approximation, simply
related to the slope and curvature of the inflaton potential, even in
the presence of large or rapidly changing deviations from scale-free
initial conditions. Oscillatory features in the WMAP temperature power
spectrum have led to interest in exploring models with features in
the inflationary potential, but such cases are typically studied on
a case-by-case basis. This formalism generalizes previous studies by
exploring the complete parameter space of inflationary models in a single
analysis. I will present results from a Markov Chain Monte Carlo likelihood
analysis of WMAP 7-year and other data sets that probe the inflationary
potential both at large and small scales, and I will discuss constraints
from upcoming high-sensitivity experiments.
Date: | Vendredi, le 7 janvier 2011 |
Heure: | 12:00 |
Lieu: | Université McGill |
| Ernest Rutherford Physics Building, R.E. Bell Conference Room (room 103) |
Contact: | Robert Rutledge |
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