Repository logo
 

Primordial features from linear to nonlinear scales

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Abstract

Sharp features in the primordial power spectrum are a powerful window into the inflationary epoch. To date, the cosmic microwave background (CMB) has offered the most sensitive avenue to search for these signatures. In this paper, we demonstrate the power of large-scale structure observations to surpass the CMB as a probe of primordial features. We show that the signatures in galaxy surveys can be separated from the broadband power spectrum and are as robust to the nonlinear evolution of matter as the standard baryon acoustic oscillations. As a result, analyses can exploit a significant range of scales beyond the linear regime available in the data sets. We develop a feature search for large-scale structure, apply it to the final data release of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey and find new bounds on oscillatory features that exceed the sensitivity of Planck for a significant range of frequencies. Moreover, we forecast that the next generation of galaxy surveys, such as DESI and Euclid, will be able to improve current constraints by up to an order of magnitude over an expanded frequency range.

Description

Keywords

5101 Astronomical Sciences, 51 Physical Sciences

Journal Title

Physical Review Research

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2643-1564
2643-1564

Volume Title

1

Publisher

American Physical Society (APS)
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/P020259/1)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (ST/R002452/1)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (ST/R00689X/1)