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Title: Cold-dark-matter cosmology with non-Gaussian fluctuations from inflation

Journal Article · · Physical Review, D (Particles Fields); (United States)
 [1]
  1. Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Silver Street, Cambridge CB39EW (United Kingdom) NASA/Fermilab Astrophysics Center, P.O. Box 500 MS-209, Batavia, Illinois 60510 (United States)

Non-Gaussian primordial fluctuations for structure formation may be generated during the inflationary epoch from the nonlinear interaction of two scalar fields with gravity. Semianalytical stochastic inflation calculations are described for nonlinear long-wavelength evolution in 3+1 dimensions. Long-wavelength fields are governed by a single equation, the separated Hamilton-Jacobi equation. Typically, non-Gaussian fluctuations arise when the scalar fields pass over a sharp feature in their potential surface. The subsequent evolution of these primordial fluctuations are calculated as scales reenter the horizon during the radiation-dominated and matter-dominated eras of the cold-dark-matter scenario. Contour maps for the linear density perturbation as well as the gravitational potential are displayed at the present epoch. In qualitative agreement with observations, one can construct models with enhanced sheetlike structures on the scale of {similar to}25{ital h}{sup {minus}1} Mpc. The cleanest test of non-Gaussian fluctuations will hopefully occur in the near future from large-angle microwave-background anisotropy experiments.

OSTI ID:
7235335
Journal Information:
Physical Review, D (Particles Fields); (United States), Vol. 45:4; ISSN 0556-2821
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English