Testing the Initial Conditions of the Universe with the Large-Scale Structure
Starts 13 Apr 2012 17:00
Ends 13 Apr 2012 20:00
Central European Time
ICTP
Leonardo da Vinci Building Euler Lecture Hall
Strada Costiera, 11
I - 34151 Trieste (Italy)
Abstract: The possible detection of a non-Gaussian component in the initial condition of the Universe could provide crucial information on the physics of inflation. While current constraints on non-Gaussian parameters are still consistent with the Gaussian hypothesis, the Planck satellite will soon significantly improve these limits. In case of detection, a confirmation from different observables, as for instance the galaxy distribution, will be required.
I will review the basic effects of non-Gaussian initial conditions on the evolution of the large-scale structure of the Universe, paying specific attention to how they affect the nonlinear growth, both of the matter power spectrum and higher-order correlation functions as well as the corrections induced to linear and nonlinear galaxy bias. In addition, I will present in details the case of the Quasi-Single Field model of inflation, characterized by a quite rich phenomenology in terms of its observational consequences.