arXiv subjects

Arindam Mazumdar

Publications and source records attributed to Arindam Mazumdar.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Flavour specific neutrino self-interaction: $H_0$ tension and IceCube

Self-interaction in the active neutrinos is studied in the literature to alleviate the $H_0$ tension. Similar self-interaction can also explain the observed dips in the flux of the neutrinos coming from the distant astro-physical sources in IceCube detectors. In contrast to the flavour universal neutrino interaction considered for solving the $H_0$ tension, which is ruled out from particle physics experiments, we consider flavour specific neutrino interactions. We show that the values of self-interaction coupling constant and mediator mass required for explaining the IceCube dips are inconsistent with the strong neutrino self-interactions preferred by the combination of BAO, HST and Planck data. However, the required amount of self-interaction between tau neutrinos ($ν_τ$) in inverted hierarchy for explaining IceCube dips is consistent with the moderate self-interaction region of cosmological bounds at 1-$σ$ level. For the case of other interactions and hierarchies, the IceCube preferred amount of self-interaction is consistent with moderate self-interaction region of cosmological bounds at 2-$σ$ level only.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Relativistic orbits of S2 star in the presence of scalar field

The general theory of relativity predicts the relativistic effect in the orbital motions of S-stars which are orbiting around our Milky-way galactic center. The post-Newtonian or higher-order approximated Schwarzschild black hole models have been used by GRAVITY and UCLA galactic center groups to carefully investigate the S2 star's periastron precession. In this paper, we investigate the scalar field effect on the orbital dynamics of S2 star. Hence, we consider a spacetime, namely Janis-Newman-Winicour (JNW) spacetime which is seeded by a minimally coupled, mass-less scalar field. The novel feature of this spacetime is that one can retain the Schwarzschild spacetime from JNW spacetime considering zero scalar charge. We constrain the scalar charge of JNW spacetime by best fitting the astrometric data of S2 star using the Monte-Carlo-Markov-Chain (MCMC) technique assuming the charge to be positive. Our best-fitted result implies that similar to the Schwarzschild black hole spacetime, the JNW naked singularity spacetime with an appropriate scalar charge also offers a satisfactory fitting to the observed data for S2 star. Therefore, the JNW naked singularity could be a contender for explaining the nature of Sgr A* through the orbital motions of the S2 star.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Quantifying the redshift space distortion of the bispectrum III : Detection prospects of the multipole moments

The redshift space anisotropy of the bispectrum is generally quantified using multipole moments. The possibility of measuring these multipoles in any survey depends on the level of statistical fluctuations. We present a formalism to compute the statistical fluctuations in the measurement of bispectrum multipoles for galaxy surveys. We consider specifications of a {\it Euclid} like galaxy survey and present two quantities: the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) which quantifies the detectability of a multipole, and the rank correlation which quantifies the correlation in measurement errors between any two multipoles. Based on SNR values, we find that {\it Euclid} can potentially measure the bispectrum multipoles up to $\ell=4$ across various triangle shapes, formed by the three {\bf k} vectors in Fourier space. In general, SNR is maximum for the linear triangles. SNR values also depend on the scales and redshifts of observation. While, $\ell \leq 2$ multipoles can be measured with ${\rm SNR}>5$ even at linear/quasi-linear ($k \lesssim 0.1 \,{\rm Mpc}^{-1}$) scales, for $\ell>2$ multipoles, we require to go to small scales or need to increase bin sizes. For most multipole pairs, the errors are only weakly correlated across much of the triangle shapes barring a few in the vicinity of squeezed and stretched triangles. This makes it possible to combine the measurements of different multipoles to increase the effective SNR.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

A fast estimator for quantifying the shape dependence of the 3D bispectrum

The dependence of the bispectrum on the size and shape of the triangle contains a wealth of cosmological information. Here we consider a triangle parameterization which allows us to separate the size and shape dependence. We have implemented an FFT based fast estimator for the three dimensional (3D) bin averaged bispectrum, and we demonstrate that it allows us to study the variation of the bispectrum across triangles of all possible shapes (and also sizes). The computational requirement is shown to scale as $\sim N_{\rm g}^3~\log{N_{\rm g}^3}$ where $N_g$ is the number of grid points along each side of the volume. We have validated the estimator using a non-Gaussian field for which the bispectrum can be analytically calculated. The estimated bispectrum values are found to be in good agreement ($< 10 \%$ deviation) with the analytical predictions across much of the triangle-shape parameter space. We also introduce linear redshift space distortion, a situation where also the bispectrum can be analytically calculated. Here the estimated bispectrum is found to be in close agreement with the analytical prediction for the monopole of the redshift space bispectrum.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Evidence of dark energy in different cosmological observations

The idea of a negative-pressure dark energy component in the Universe which causes an accelerated expansion in the late Universe has deep implications in models of field theory and general relativity. In this article, we survey the evidence for dark energy from cosmological observations which started from the compilation of distance-luminosity plots of Type Ia supernovae. This turned out to be consistent with the dark energy inferred from the CMB observations and large scale surveys and gave rise to the concordance $Λ$CDM model of cosmology. In this article, we discuss the observational evidence for dark energy from Type Ia supernovae, CMB, galaxy surveys, observations of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect from clusters, and lensing by clusters. We also discuss the observational discrepancy in the values of $H_0$ and $σ_8$ between CMB and large scale structures and discuss if varying dark energy models are able to resolve these tensions between different observations.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Cosmology Intertwined III: $f σ_8$ and $S_8$

The standard $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter cosmological model provides a wonderful fit to current cosmological data, but a few tensions and anomalies became statistically significant with the latest data analyses. While these anomalies could be due to the presence of systematic errors in the experiments, they could also indicate the need for new physics beyond the standard model. In this Letter of Interest we focus on the tension of the Planck data with weak lensing measurements and redshift surveys, about the value of the matter energy density $Ω_m$, and the amplitude or rate of the growth of structure ($σ_8,fσ_8$). We list a few interesting models for solving this tension, and we discuss the importance of trying to fit with a single model a full array of data and not just one parameter at a time.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Cosmology Intertwined II: The Hubble Constant Tension

The current cosmological probes have provided a fantastic confirmation of the standard $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter cosmological model, that has been constrained with unprecedented accuracy. However, with the increase of the experimental sensitivity a few statistically significant tensions between different independent cosmological datasets emerged. While these tensions can be in portion the result of systematic errors, the persistence after several years of accurate analysis strongly hints at cracks in the standard cosmological scenario and the need for new physics. In this Letter of Interest we will focus on the $4.4σ$ tension between the Planck estimate of the Hubble constant $H_0$ and the SH0ES collaboration measurements. After showing the $H_0$ evaluations made from different teams using different methods and geometric calibrations, we will list a few interesting new physics models that could solve this tension and discuss how the next decade experiments will be crucial.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Cosmology Intertwined I: Perspectives for the Next Decade

The standard $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter cosmological model provides an amazing description of a wide range of astrophysical and astronomical data. However, there are a few big open questions, that make the standard model look like a first-order approximation to a more realistic scenario that still needs to be fully understood. In this Letter of Interest we will list a few important goals that need to be addressed in the next decade, also taking into account the current discordances present between the different cosmological probes, as the Hubble constant $H_0$ value, the $σ_8 - S_8$ tension, and the anomalies present in the Planck results. Finally, we will give an overview of upgraded experiments and next-generation space-missions and facilities on Earth, that will be of crucial importance to address all these questions.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Cosmology Intertwined IV: The Age of the Universe and its Curvature

A precise measurement of the curvature of the Universe is of primeval importance for cosmology since it could not only confirm the paradigm of primordial inflation but also help in discriminating between different early Universe scenarios. The recent observations, while broadly consistent with a spatially flat standard $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter ($Λ$CDM) model, are showing tensions that still allow (and, in some cases, even suggest) a few percent deviations from a flat universe. In particular, the Planck Cosmic Microwave Background power spectra, assuming the nominal likelihood, prefer a closed universe at more than 99\% confidence level. While new physics could be in action, this anomaly may be the result of an unresolved systematic error or just a statistical fluctuation. However, since a positive curvature allows a larger age of the Universe, an accurate determination of the age of the oldest objects provides a smoking gun in confirming or falsifying the current flat $Λ$CDM model.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Redshifted 21-cm Bispectrum I: Impact of the Redshift Space Distortions on the Signal from the Epoch of Reionization

The bispectrum can quantify the non-Gussianity present in the redshifted 21-cm signal produced by the neutral hydrogen (HI) during the epoch of reionization (EoR). Motivated by this, we perform a comprehensive study of the EoR 21-cm bispectrum using simulated signals. Given a model of reionization, we demonstrate the behaviour of the bispectrum for all unique triangles in $k$ space. For ease of identification of the unique triangles, we parametrize the $k$-triangle space with two parameters, namely the ratio of the two arms of the triangle ($n=k_2/k_1$) and the cosine of the angle between them ($\cosθ$). Furthermore, for the first time, we quantify the impact of the redshift space distortions (RSD) on the spherically averaged EoR 21-cm bispectrum in the entire unique triangle space. We find that the real space signal bispectra for small and intermediate $k_1$-triangles ($k_1 \leq 0.6 \,{\rm Mpc^{-1}}$) is negative in most of the unique triangle space. It takes a positive sign for squeezed, stretched and linear $k_1$-triangles, specifically for large $k_1$ values ($k_1 \geq 0.6 \,{\rm Mpc^{-1}}$). The RSD affects both the sign and magnitude of the bispectra significantly. It changes (increases/decreases) the magnitude of the bispectra by $50-100\%$ without changing its sign (mostly) during the entire period of the EoR for small and intermediate $k_1$-triangles. For larger $k_1$-triangles, RSD affects the magnitude by $100-200\%$ and also flips the sign from negative to positive. We conclude that it is important to take into account the impact of RSD for a correct interpretation of the EoR 21-cm bispectra.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Quantifying the Redshift Space Distortion of the Bispectrum II: Induced Non-Gaussianity at Second Order Perturbation

The anisotrpy of the redshift space bispectrum $B^s(\mathbf{k_1},\mathbf{k_2},\mathbf{k_3})$, which contains a wealth of cosmological information, is completely quantified using multipole moments $\bar{B}^m_{\ell}(k_1,μ,t)$ where $k_1$, the length of the largest side, and $(μ,t)$ respectively quantify the size and shape of the triangle $(\mathbf{k_1},\mathbf{k_2},\mathbf{k_3})$. We present analytical expressions for all the multipoles which are predicted to be non-zero ($\ell \le 8, m \le 6$ ) at second order perturbation theory. The multipoles also depend on $β_1,b_1$ and $γ_2$, which quantify the linear redshift distortion parameter, linear bias and quadratic bias respectively. Considering triangles of all possible shapes, we analyse the shape dependence of all of the multipoles holding $k_1=0.2 \, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}, β_1=1, b_1=1$ and $γ_2=0$ fixed. The monopole $\bar{B}^0_0$, which is positive everywhere, is minimum for equilateral triangles. $\bar{B}_0^0$ increases towards linear triangles, and is maximum for linear triangles close to the squeezed limit. Both $\bar{B}^0_{2}$ and $\bar{B}^0_4$ are similar to $\bar{B}^0_0$, however the quadrupole $\bar{B}^0_2$ exceeds $\bar{B}^0_0$ over a significant range of shapes. The other multipoles, many of which become negative, have magnitudes smaller than $\bar{B}^0_0$. In most cases the maxima or minima, or both, occur very close to the squeezed limit. $\mid \bar{B}^m_{\ell} \mid $ is found to decrease rapidly if $\ell$ or $m$ are increased. The shape dependence shown here is characteristic of non-linear gravitational clustering. Non-linear bias, if present, will lead to a different shape dependence.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Inflation models in the light of self-interacting sterile neutrinos

Short baseline neutrino experiments, like LSND and MiniBooNE experiments, pointed towards the existence of eV mass scale sterile neutrinos. To reconcile sterile neutrinos with cosmology self interaction between sterile neutrinos has been studied. We analysed Planck cosmic microwave background (CMB) data with self-interacting sterile neutrino (SI$ν$) and study their impact on inflation models. The fit to the CMB data in SI$ν$ model is as good as the fit to $Λ$CDM model. We find that the spectral index ($n_s$) values shift to $0.9361\pm 0.0055$ in SI$ν$ model. This has significant impact on the validity of different inflation models. For example the Starobinsky and quartic hilltop model, which were allowed within $Λ$CDM cosmology, are ruled out. On the other hand some models like natural and Coleman-Weinberg inflation are now favoured. Therefore, the existence of self interacting sterile neutrinos with eV order of mass will play an important role in the selection of correct inflation model.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

New class of naked singularities and their observational signatures

By imposing suitable junction conditions on a space-like hyper-surface, we obtain a two-parameter family of possible static configurations from gravitational collapse. These exemplify a new class of naked singularities. We show that these admit a consistent description via a two-fluid model, one of which might be dust. We then study lensing and accretion disk properties of our solution and point out possible differences with black hole scenarios. The distinctive features of our solution, compared to the existing naked singularity solutions in the literature are discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Quantifying the Redshift Space Distortion of the Bispectrum I: Primordial Non-Gaussianity

The anisotropy of the redshift space bispectrum contains a wealth of cosmological information. This anisotropy depends on the orientation of three vectors ${\bf k_1,k_2,k_3}$ with respect to the line of sight. Here we have decomposed the redshift space bispectrum in spherical harmonics which completely quantify this anisotropy. To illustrate this we consider linear redshift space distortion of the bispectrum arising from primordial non-Gaussianity. In the plane parallel approximation only the first four even $\ell$ multipoles have non-zero values, and we present explicit analytical expressions for all the non-zero multipoles {\it i.e.} upto $\ell=6,m=4$. The ratio of the different multipole moments to the real space bispectrum depends only on $β_1$ the linear redshift distortion parameter and the shape of the triangle. Considering triangles of all possible shapes, we have studied how this ratio depends on the shape of the triangle for $β_1=1$. We have also studied the $β_1$ dependence for some of the extreme triangle shapes. If measured in future, these multipole moments hold the potential of constraining $β_1$. The results presented here are also important if one wishes to constrain $f_{\text{NL}}$ using redshift surveys.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2017

Bounds on Neutrino Mass in Viscous Cosmology

Effective field theory of dark matter fluid on large scales predicts the presence of viscosity of the order of $10^{-6} H_0 M_P^2$. It has been shown that this magnitude of viscosities can resolve the discordance between large scale structure observations and Planck CMB data in the $σ_8$-$Ω_m^0$ and $H_0$-$Ω_m^0$ parameters space. Massive neutrinos suppresses the matter power spectrum on the small length scales similar to the viscosities. We show that by including the effective viscosity, which arises from summing over non linear perturbations at small length scales, severely constrains the cosmological bound on neutrino masses. Under a joint analysis of Planck CMB and different large scale observation data, we find that upper bound on the sum of the neutrino masses at 2-$σ$ level, decreases from $\sum m_ν\le 0.396\,$eV (normal hierarchy) and $\sum m_ν\le 0.378 \,$eV (inverted hierarchy) to $\sum m_ν\le 0.267\,$eV (normal hierarchy) and $\sum m_ν\le 0.146\,$eV (inverted hierarchy) when the effective viscosities are included.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2017

Cosmic viscosity as a remedy for tension between PLANCK and LSS data

Measurements of $σ_8$ from large scale structure observations show a discordance with the extrapolated $σ_8$ from Planck CMB parameters using $Λ$CDM cosmology. Similar discordance is found in the value of $H_0$ and $Ω_m$. In this paper, we show that the presence of viscosity in cold dark matter, shear or bulk or combination of both, can remove the above mentioned conflicts simultaneously. This indicates that the data from Planck CMB observation and different LSS observations prefer small but non-zero amount of viscosity in cold dark matter fluid.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2016

Constraints on variations in inflaton decay rate from modulated preheating

Modulated (p)reheating is thought to be an alternative mechanism for producing super-horizon curvature perturbations in CMB. But large non-gaussianity and iso-curvature perturbations produced by this mechanism rule out its acceptability as the sole process responsible for generating CMB perturbations. We explore the situation where CMB perturbations are mostly generated by usual quantum fluctuations of inflaton during inflation, but a modulated coupling constant between inflaton and a secondary scalar affects the preheating process and produces some extra curvature perturbations. If the modulating scalar field is considered to be a dark matter candidate, coupling constant between the fields has to be unnaturally fine tuned in order to keep the local-form non-gaussianity and the amplitude of iso-curvature perturbations within observational limit; otherwise parameters of the models have to be tightly constrained. Those constraints imply that the curvature perturbations generated by modulated preheating should be less than 15% of the total observed CMB perturbations. On the other hand if the modulating scalar field is not a dark matter candidate, parameters of the models could not be constrained, but the constraints on the maximum amount of the curvature perturbations coming from modulated preheating remain valid.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2015

Deriving super-horizon curvature perturbations from the dynamics of preheating

We present a framework for calculating super-horizon curvature perturbation from the dynamics of preheating, which gives a reasonable match to the lattice results. Hubble patches with different initial background field values evolve differently. From the bifurcation of their evolution trajectories we find curvature perturbation using Lyapunov theorem and $δN$ formulation. In this way we have established a connection between the finer dynamics of preheating and the curvature perturbation produced in this era. From the calculated analytical form of the curvature perturbation we have derived the effective super-horizon curvature perturbation smoothed out on large scales of CMB. The order of the amount of local form non-gaussianity generated in this process has been calculated and problems regarding the precise determination of it have been pointed out.

astro-ph.CO↗