David Spergel (Princeton University)
Looking for non-Gaussianities in the microwave sky


Measurements of astrophysical sources of non-Gaussianities in the microwave sky will reveal new insights into the distribution of matter (gravitational lensing) and electons (SZ effect) in the universe. Physics in the early universe can also generate non-Gaussianity. I will review both astrophysical sources of non-Gaussianity and several possible cosmological sources (topology, non-linearities in inflation, and cosmic strings) and discuss potential capabilities for detecting these sources with upcoming experiments.



30 11 2007, Astro Library Room, Pupin 1402, Friday 2:00pm