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PhysRevLett.100.021301.pdf (273.23 kB)

Fitting CMB data with cosmic strings and inflation

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posted on 2023-06-07, 19:16 authored by Neil Bevis, Mark HindmarshMark Hindmarsh, Martin Kunz, Jon Urrestilla
We perform a multi-parameter likelihood analysis to compare measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectra with predictions from models involving cosmic strings. We explore the addition of strings to the inflationary concordance model, involving an adiabatic primordial power spectrum with a power-law tilt n, as well as the Harrison-Zeldovich (HZ) case n=1. Using ACBAR, BOOMERANG, CBI, VSA and WMAP data we show that of the models investigated, the HZ case with strings provides the best fit to the data relative to the freedom in the model, having a moderately higher Bayesian evidence than the concordance model. For HZ plus strings, CMB data then implies a (10+/-3)% string contribution to the temperature power spectrum at multipole l=10. However, with non-CMB data included, finite tilt and finite strings are approximately on par with each other. Considering variable $\\\
s$, we then find a 95% upper limit of the string fraction of 11%, corresponding to $G\\\\mu

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Physical Review Letters

ISSN

0031-9007

Issue

2

Volume

100

Page range

021301

Pages

4.0

Department affiliated with

  • Physics and Astronomy Publications

Notes

Collaboration leader and supervisor of research student Bevis and PDRAs Kunz and Urrestilla. The world's first assessment of cosmological models with cosmic strings, comparing numerical solutions of an underlying field theory with current CMB (Cosmic Microwave Background) data. The presence of strings is marginally favoured by the CMB data alone.

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-03-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-11-10

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