Polarization of the cosmic background radiation
We discuss the technique and results of a measurement of the linear polarization of the Cosmic Background Radiation. Data taken between May 1978 and February 1980 from both the northern hemisphere (Berkeley Lat. 38{sup o}N) and the southern hemisphere (Lima Lat. 12{sup o}s) over 11 declinations from -37{sup o} to +63{sup o} show the radiation to be essentially unpolarized over all areas surveyed. Fitting all data gives the 95% confidence level limit on a linearly polarized component of 0.3 mK for spherical harmonics through third order. A fit of all data to the anisotropic axisymmetric model of Rees (1968) yields a 95% confidence level limit of 0.15 mK for the magnitude of the polarized component. Constraints on various cosmological models are discussed in light of these limits.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Director, Office of Science
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 893034
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-11362; ASJOAB; TRN: US200625%%66
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 245, Issue pt1; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: 04/01/1981; ISSN 0004-637X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Polarization of the cosmic background radiation
Southern hemisphere measurements of the anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background radiation