SearcharxivSearch

arXiv subjects

V. Sreenath

Publications and source records attributed to V. Sreenath.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Constraining dark energy models using Jackknife and Bootstrap resampling

Analyses of type Ia supernovae have helped us shed light on the existence and nature of dark energy. Most of these analyses have relied on Bayesian techniques. In this work, we employ resampling techniques, namely Jackknife and Bootstrap, together with generalised least squares, to analyse supernova data. We first calibrate these techniques using near-ideal mock data and versions of the PantheonPlus data, and compare their performance with Bayesian methods. We find that with near-ideal mock data, Jackknife can yield better constraints. We then apply these methods to constrain parameters of flat $\Lambda$CDM, $\Lambda$CDM, flat $w$CDM, $w$CDM, and flat $w_0\,w_a$CDM models from the PantheonPlus and SH0ES (PPS) data. We observe that constraints obtained with different techniques for three- and four-parameter models are largely consistent. We also find that the Hubble tension is less significant with constraints from the Jackknife. For instance, we find that Jackknife estimates $h\,=\,0.743\,\pm\,0.029$ from PPS data, making the Planck value well within $3\sigma$. Moreover, we estimate $h\,=\,0.678\,\pm\,0.052$ from PantheonPlus data when we only consider sources with $z > 0.01$, in which case there is no tension with the Planck estimate. These results highlight the importance of using multiple techniques while analysing data and warrant further investigation.

astro-ph.CO

Primordial magnetogenesis in loop quantum cosmology

Primordial magnetic fields (PMFs) are magnetic fields generated during the early universe. These fields are thought to be the seeds of extragalactic magnetic fields. The origin of PMFs is not well known. Further, if they are indeed sources of extragalactic fields, then there is a possibility that observations of extragalactic magnetic fields could provide insights into the primordial physics. With this motivation, we study the generation of the primordial magnetic field in the context of loop quantum cosmology (LQC). In LQC, inflation is preceded by a quantum bounce. In this work, we consider an electromagnetic field coupled to the background as a test field and study its evolution through the bounce and through the subsequent inflationary phase. We investigate the power spectra generated in LQC and show that it is scale-dependent. We study the power spectra with different initial conditions, discuss equivalent forms of coupling functions, investigate backreaction, and compute the amount of primordial magnetic field which can be measured today. We conclude the article with a summary and discussion of the results.

gr-qc

Power Suppression and Lensing Anomaly -- A phenomenological investigation

Primordial power spectra with low power at long wavelengths can alleviate lensing anomaly. However the extent to which data favours such a primordial spectra is not clear. In this work, we investigate power suppression and related mitigation of lensing anomaly with the help of phenomenological models which are valid over scales of interest. We consider simple extensions to nearly scale invariant power spectra such as those which includes running and running of running of spectral index. We perform Bayesian analysis of these models, which are agnostic about power suppression, with Planck legacy data and show that data tend to choose parameters which leads to power suppression at low multipoles. We then investigate the connection between power suppression and alleviation of lensing anomaly and show that lensing anomaly is mitigated the most in models with maximum suppression of power at low multipoles. We also analyse the significance of these findings using information criteria. These results are further analyzed in the light of Planck Release 4 data using CamSpec, HiLLiPoP and LoLLiPoP likelihoods in which departure of lensing parameter from one is significantly reduced. Furthermore, we investigate the ability of near-ultimate future CMB missions such as ECHO to put tighter constraints on these models and to settle the issue. We conclude that we can make stronger conclusions about the presence of power suppression in the future by studying such simple phenomenological models.

astro-ph.CO

Viability of loop quantum cosmology at the level of bispectrum

Observations by Planck indicate that CMB anisotropies are consistent with predictions of nearly Gaussian primordial perturbations as the one generated in slow-roll inflation. On the other hand, loop quantum cosmology (LQC) generates a non-Gaussian bispectrum. In particular, calculations of primordial bispectrum generated in LQC shows that the non-Gaussianity function $f_{_{\rm NL}}(k_1,\, k_2,\, k_3)$ is highly scale-dependent and oscillatory at long wavelengths and is nearly scale-invariant as in slow-roll at small scales. We discuss the viability of such a non-Gaussian bispectrum in the light of observations by Planck. More specifically, we model the bispectrum generated in LQC and compute its imprints on the CMB bispectrum. We then show that the CMB bispectrum generated in LQC though non-Gaussian, due to its highly oscillatory nature, is similar to that generated in slow-roll inflation and hence consistent with the observations by Planck.

astro-ph.CO

Estimation of imprints of the bounce in loop quantum cosmology on the bispectra of cosmic microwave background

Primordial non-Gaussianity has set strong constraints on models of the early universe. Studies have shown that Loop Quantum Cosmology (LQC), which is an attempt to extend inflationary scenario to planck scales, leads to a strongly scale dependent and oscillatory non-Gaussianity. In particular, the non-Gaussianity function $f_{_{\rm NL}} (k_1,\, k_2,\, k_3)$ generated in LQC, though similar to that generated during slow roll inflation at small scales, is highly scale dependent and oscillatory at long wavelengths. In this work, we investigate the imprints of such a primordial bispectrum in the bispectrum of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). Inspired by earlier works, we propose an analytical template for the primordial bispectrum in LQC. We write the template as a sum of strongly scale dependent and oscillatory part, which captures the contribution due to the bounce, and a part which captures the scale invariant behaviour similar to that of slow roll. We then compute the reduced bispectra of temperature and electric polarisation and their three-point cross-correlations corresponding to these two parts. We show that the contribution from the bounce to the reduced bispectrum is negligible compared to that from the scale-independent part. Thus, we conclude that the CMB bispectra generated in LQC will be similar to that generated in slow roll inflation. We conclude with a discussion of our results and its implications to LQC.

astro-ph.CO

Anomalies in the Cosmic Microwave Background and their Non-Gaussian Origin in Loop Quantum Cosmology

Anomalies in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) refer to features that have been observed, mostly at large angular scales, and which show some tension with the statistical predictions of the standard $\Lambda$CDM model. In this work, we focus our attention on power suppression, dipolar modulation, a preference for odd parity, and the tension in the lensing parameter $A_L$. Though the statistical significance of each individual anomaly is inconclusive, collectively they are significant, and could indicate new physics beyond the $\Lambda$CDM model. In this article, we present a brief, but pedagogical introduction to CMB anomalies and propose a common origin in the context of loop quantum cosmology.

gr-qc

Cosmic tango between the very small and the very large: Addressing CMB anomalies through Loop Quantum Cosmology

While the standard, six-parameter, spatially flat $\Lambda$CDM model has been highly successful, certain anomalies in the cosmic microwave background bring out a tension between this model and observations. The statistical significance of any one anomaly is small. However, taken together, the presence of two or more of them imply that according to standard inflationary theories we live in quite an exceptional universe. We revisit the analysis of the PLANCK collaboration using loop quantum cosmology, where an unforeseen interplay between the ultraviolet and the infrared makes the \emph{primordial} power spectrum scale dependent at very small $k$. Consequently, we are led to a somewhat different $\Lambda$CDM universe in which anomalies associated with large scale power suppression and the lensing amplitude are both alleviated. The analysis also leads to new predictions for future observations. This article is addressed both to cosmology and LQG communities, and we have attempted to make it self-contained.

gr-qc

Large scale anomalies in the CMB and non-Gaussianity in bouncing cosmologies

We propose that several of the anomalies that have been observed at large angular scales in the CMB have a common origin in a cosmic bounce that took place before the inflationary era. The bounce introduces a new physical scale in the problem, which breaks the almost scale invariance of inflation. As a result, the state of scalar perturbations at the onset of inflation is no longer the Bunch-Davies vacuum, but it rather contains excitations and non-Gaussianity, which are larger for infrared modes. We argue that the combined effect of these excitations and the correlations between CMB modes and longer wavelength perturbations, can account for the observed power suppression, for the dipolar asymmetry, and it can also produce a preference for odd-parity correlations. The model can also alleviate the tension in the lensing amplitude $A_L$. We adopt a phenomenological viewpoint by characterizing the model with a few free parameters, rather than restricting to specific bouncing theories. We identify the minimum set of ingredients needed for our ideas to hold, and point out examples of theories in the literature where these conditions are met.

astro-ph.CO

xAct Implementation of the Theory of Cosmological Perturbation in Bianchi I Spacetimes

This paper presents a computational algorithm to derive the theory of linear gauge invariant perturbations on anisotropic cosmological spacetimes of the Bianchi I type. Our code is based on the tensor algebra packages xTensor and xPert, within the computational infrastructure of xAct written in Mathematica. The algorithm is based on a Hamiltonian, or phase space formulation, and it provides an efficient and transparent way of isolating the gauge invariant degrees of freedom in the perturbation fields and to obtain the Hamiltonian generating their dynamics. The restriction to Friedmann--Lema\^itre--Robertson--Walker spacetimes is straightforward.

gr-qc

Observational consequences of Bianchi I spacetimes in loop quantum cosmology

Anisotropies generically dominate the earliest stages of expansion of a homogeneous universe. They are particularly relevant in bouncing models, since shears grow in the contracting phase of the cosmos, making the isotropic situation unstable. This paper extends the study of cosmological perturbations in loop quantum cosmology (LQC) to anisotropic Bianchi I models that contain a bounce followed by a phase of slow-roll inflation. We show that, although the shear tensor dilutes and the universe isotropizes soon after the bounce, cosmic perturbations retain memory of this short anisotropic phase. We develop the formalism needed to describe perturbations in anisotropic, effective LQC, and apply it to make predictions for the cosmic microwave background (CMB), while respecting current observational constraints. We show that the anisotropic bounce induces: (i) anisotropic features in all angular correlation functions in the CMB, and in particular a quadrupolar modulation that can account for a similar feature observed in the temperature map by the Planck satellite, and (ii) quantum entanglement between scalar and tensor modes, that manifests itself in temperature-polarization (T-B and E-B) correlations in the CMB.

gr-qc

Anomalies in the CMB from a cosmic bounce

We explore a model of the early universe in which the inflationary epoch is preceded by a cosmic bounce, and argue that this scenario provides a common origin to several of the anomalous features that have been observed at large angular scales in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). More concretely, we show that a power suppression, a dipolar asymmetry, and a preference for odd-parity correlations, with amplitude and scale dependence in consonance with observations, are expected from this scenario. The model also alleviates the tension in the lensing amplitude. These signals originate from the indirect effect that non-Gaussian correlations between CMB modes and super-horizon wavelengths induce in the power spectrum. We do not restrict to any specific theory, but rather derive features common to a family bouncing models.

astro-ph.CO

Hamiltonian theory of classical and quantum gauge invariant perturbations in Bianchi I spacetimes

We derive a Hamiltonian formulation of the theory of gauge invariant, linear perturbations in anisotropic Bianchi I spacetimes, and describe how to quantize this system. The matter content is assumed to be a minimally coupled scalar field with potential $V(\phi)$. We show that a Bianchi I spacetime generically induces both anisotropies and quantum entanglement on cosmological perturbations, and provide the tools to compute the details of these features. We then apply this formalism to a scenario in which the inflationary era is preceded by an anisotropic Bianchi I phase, and discuss the potential imprints in observable quantities. The formalism developed here paves the road to a simultaneous canonical quantization of both the homogeneous degrees of freedom and the perturbations, a task that we develop in a companion paper.

gr-qc

Predictions for the CMB from an anisotropic quantum bounce

We introduce an extension of the standard inflationary paradigm on which the big bang singularity is replaced by an anisotropic bounce. Unlike in the big bang model, cosmological perturbations find an adiabatic regime in the past. We show that this scenario accounts for the observed quadrupolar modulation in the temperature anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), and we make predictions for the remaining angular correlation functions E-E, B-B and T-E, together with non-zero temperature-polarization correlations T-B and E-B, that can be used to test our ideas. We base our calculations on the bounce predicted by loop quantum cosmology, but our techniques and conclusions apply to other bouncing models as well.

gr-qc

Alleviating the Tension in the Cosmic Microwave Background using Planck-Scale Physics

Certain anomalies in the CMB bring out a tension between the six-parameter flat $\Lambda$CDM model and the CMB data. We revisit the PLANCK analysis with loop quantum cosmology (LQC) predictions and show that LQC alleviates both the large-scale power anomaly and the tension in the lensing amplitude. These differences arise because, in LQC, the primordial power spectrum is scale dependent for small $k$, with a specific power suppression. We conclude with a prediction of larger optical depth and power suppression in the $B$-mode polarization power spectrum on large scales.

astro-ph.CO

Spherical collapse of fuzzy dark matter

It has been postulated that Fuzzy Dark Matter (FDM) could be a viable alternative to Cold Dark Matter (CDM). FDM is comprised of ultralight bosons which exist as a Bose-Einstein condensate. Due to the very low mass of FDM, the de Broglie wavelength of these bosons are of the order of kpc and the quantum effects manifest at those scales. Hence, unlike CDM, FDM experiences quantum pressure along with gravitational attraction. In this work, we investigate the gravitational collapse of a spherically symmetric FDM overdensity. We assume a power law density profile for an overdense region of FDM and derive an expression for the temporal evolution of a spherical shell in the non-interacting limit and use it to derive an expression for average overdensity contained in the spherical shell in an Einstein--de Sitter universe. Further, we numerically extend the analysis to the case of interacting bosons. Finally, we discuss the virialization of such an overdense region of non-interacting FDM and derive an expression for overdensity in the linear and the full theory. We compare our results with those obtained in the case of CDM and conclude with a discussion of the results.

astro-ph.CO

Non-Gaussianity in Loop Quantum Cosmology

We extend the phenomenology of loop quantum cosmology (LQC) to second order in perturbations. Our motivation is twofold. On the one hand, since LQC predicts a cosmic bounce that takes place at the Planck scale, the second order contributions could be large enough to jeopardize the validity of the perturbative expansion on which previous results rest. On the other hand, the upper bounds on primordial non-Gaussianity obtained by the Planck Collaboration are expected to play a significant role on explorations of the LQC phenomenology. We find that the bounce in LQC produces an enhancement of non-Gaussianity of several orders of magnitude, on length scales that were larger than the curvature radius at the bounce. Nonetheless, we find that one can still rely on the perturbative expansion to make predictions about primordial perturbations. We discuss the consequences of our results for LQC and its predictions for the cosmic microwave background.

gr-qc

The scalar-scalar-tensor inflationary three-point function in the axion monodromy model

The axion monodromy model involves a canonical scalar field that is governed by a linear potential with superimposed modulations. The modulations in the potential are responsible for a resonant behavior which gives rise to persisting oscillations in the scalar and, to a smaller extent, in the tensor power spectra. Interestingly, such spectra have been shown to lead to an improved fit to the cosmological data than the more conventional, nearly scale invariant, primordial power spectra. The scalar bi-spectrum in the model too exhibits continued modulations and the resonance is known to boost the amplitude of the scalar non-Gaussianity parameter to rather large values. An analytical expression for the scalar bi-spectrum had been arrived at earlier which, in fact, has been used to compare the model with the cosmic microwave background anisotropies at the level of three-point functions involving scalars. In this work, with future applications in mind, we arrive at a similar analytical template for the scalar-scalar-tensor cross-correlation. We also analytically establish the consistency relation (in the squeezed limit) for this three-point function. We conclude with a summary of the main results obtained.

astro-ph.CO

Quantum-to-classical transition and imprints of continuous spontaneous localization in classical bouncing universes

The perturbations in the early universe are generated as a result of the interplay between quantum field theory and gravitation. Since these primordial perturbations lead to the anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background and eventually to the inhomogeneities in the Large Scale Structure (LSS), they provide a unique opportunity to probe issues which are fundamental to our understanding of quantum physics and gravitation. One such fundamental issue that remains to be satisfactorily addressed is the transition of the primordial perturbations from their quantum origins to the LSS which can be characterized completely in terms of classical quantities. Classical bouncing universes provide an alternative to the more conventional inflationary paradigm as they can help overcome the horizon problem in a fashion very similar to inflation. While the problem of the quantum-to-classical transition of the primordial perturbations has been investigated extensively in the context of inflation, we find that there has been a rather limited effort towards studying the issue in classical bouncing universes. In this work, we analyze certain aspects of this problem with the example of tensor perturbations produced in classical matter and near-matter bouncing universes. We investigate the issue mainly from two perspectives. Firstly, we approach the problem by examining the extent of squeezing of a quantum state associated with the tensor perturbations with the help of the Wigner function. Secondly, we analyze the issue from the perspective of the quantum measurement problem. In particular, we study the effects of wave function collapse, using a phenomenological model known as continuous spontaneous localization, on the tensor power spectra. We conclude with a discussion of results.

gr-qc