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PIRSA:10040042

Primordial Non-Gaussianity and Large-Scale Structure

APA

Dalal, N. (2010). Primordial Non-Gaussianity and Large-Scale Structure. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. https://pirsa.org/10040042

Neal Dalal Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Talk numberPIRSA:10040042
Source RepositoryPIRSA
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

The primordial density fluctuations that seeded large-scale structure are known to be nearly Gaussian, as predicted by most early universe models like slow-roll inflation. Many of these models predict a small (but nonzero!) amount of primordial non-gaussianity, which can subtly affect the statistics of CMB anisotropies. Surprisingly, even a small primordial non-gaussianity can produce enormous changes in the large-scale clustering of galaxies and quasars at late times. I will describe the origin of this effect, and review recent constraints on non-gaussianity using measurements of the clustering of galaxies and quasars in SDSS.