arXiv subjects

Robbert W. Scholtens

Publications and source records attributed to Robbert W. Scholtens.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Exploring the CMB in Anisotropic Universes

In recent years, there have been increasing challenges to the cosmological principle, based on new observations of e.g. supernovae and the cosmic bulk flow. As a result, the cosmological community is speaking their concern for the cosmological principle, and from which scales onwards it should apply. In this context, there is a desire to understand more fully the properties and signatures of cosmologies not obeying the cosmological principle. In this article, we let go of the demand of cosmic isotropy, and instead assume only spatial homogeneity in our cosmological models. We follow the results of our previous works [see citations in the list of references], and here bring these together into one unified picture, with the goal of describing the signature(s) of anisotropy in anisotropic cosmological models. We first introduce the Bianchi models -- a particular instance of spatially homogeneous cosmologies -- and show that a metric can be constructed for them when an appropriate collection of desired Killing vector fields is supplied. Then, we give the perturbations of the Friedmann equations in such Bianchi models, in the Newtonian gauge, derived using much the same methodology as applicable to the FLRW models. We show these can be combined into one characteristic partial differential equation. Finally, we use this equation in order to simulate the CMB of a toy Bianchi V example and produce its power spectrum. We close with a discussion, and suggestions for further research.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Fundamental Cosmic Anisotropy and its Ramifications II: Perturbations in Bianchi spacetimes, and fixed in the Newtonian gauge

The standard cosmological model is challenged by an ever-growing collection of observations, which invites (and stimulates) inquiry into possible additions and/or alterations. One such alteration comes from letting cosmic isotropy -- as demanded by the cosmological principle -- go, whilst maintaining only homogeneity. This study concerns Bianchi models, a class of anisotropic, homogeneous spacetimes, and in particular their perturbations. Knowledge of their properties under perturbations (such as allowed wavemodes) aids in understanding cosmological signatures of such universes, e.g. CMBs, and thus allows for comparsion to observation and the theory of the standard model. This study develops linear perturbation theory of general Bianchi models, by working in a frame such that metric components depend solely on (cosmic) time. Perturbation equations in the Newtonian gauge, but for arbitrary metric, are derived for energy density $ρ$, (relativistic) pressure $p$, momentum density $q$, and anisotropic stress $π$, for the case of scalar and pure tensor perturbations. For the former, the equations for density and pressure are combined to yield the equivalent of the Mukhanov-Sasaki equation for Bianchi models. For a specific choice of metric and fluid flow $u$, the Friedmann equations for Bianchi models are also formulated, as this knowledge is necessary to fully formulate the perturbation equations. Finally, the obtained results are applied to the formulations of density contrasts in an Einstein-de Sitter universe and a Bianchi I universe.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Fundamental Cosmic Anisotropy and its Ramifications I: Killing vector fields and constructing their metric

On the largest scales, the universe appears to be almost homogeneous and isotropic, adhering to the cosmological principle. In contrast, on smaller scales inhomogeneities and anisotropy become increasingly prominent, reflecting the origin, emergence, and formation of structure in the universe. Moreover, a range of tensions between various cosmological observations may suggest it necessary to explore the consequences of departure from the ideal, uniform universe on the fundamental level. Thus, in this work, the foundation of spatially homogeneous yet anisotropic universes is studied. Specifically, when given a 3D Lie algebra of \emph{desired} Killing vector fields (as would be the case for a homogeneous yet anisotropic universe), we provide an explicit construction for the metric that has exactly those as its Killing vector fields. This construction is presented accessibly, in a directly-usable, algorithmic fashion. Some examples demonstrating the construction are worked out, including a constructive method to separate out (cosmic) time dependence in spatially homogeneous, anisotropic cosmologies.

gr-qc↗