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arXiv · 1304.1270

The CMB asymmetry from inflation

David H. Lyth
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Abstract

Erickcek, Kamionkowski and Carroll proposed in 2008 that the dipole modulation of the CMB could be due to a very large scale perturbation of the field $ϕ$ causing the primordial curvature perturbation. We repeat their calculation using weaker assumptions and the current data. If $ϕ$ is the inflaton of {\em any} single-field inflation with the attractor behaviour, the asymmetry is almosy certainly too small. If instead $ϕ$ is {\em any} curvaton-type field (ie.\ one with the canonical kinetic term and a negligible effect during inflation) the asymmetry can agree with observation if $|\fnl|$ in the equilateral configuration is $\simeq 10$ for $k\mone=1\Gpc$ and $\lsim 3$ for $k\mone=1\Mpc$. An $\fnl$ with these properties can apparently be obtained from the curvaton with an axionic potential. Within any specific curvaton-type model, the function $\fnl(k_1,k_2,k_3)$ required to generate the asymmetry would be determined, and could perhaps already be confirmed or ruled out using existing Planck or WMAP data.

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David H. Lyth. 2013-06-18. The CMB asymmetry from inflation. https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516%2F2013%2F08%2F007

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