What is the definition of adiabatic CMb spectrum in simple inflationary models?

AI Thread Summary
The adiabatic Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) spectrum refers to density perturbations that are uniform across all components of the Universe, meaning the relative fluctuations in density are consistent for each constituent. This concept is crucial in simple inflationary models, as it implies that the initial conditions of the Universe's expansion lead to a homogeneous distribution of matter. Alternatives to adiabatic fluctuations, such as isocurvature fluctuations, highlight different scenarios of density variations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these perturbations in cosmology and their implications for the early Universe. Overall, the adiabatic nature of the CMB spectrum is fundamental to the framework of inflationary theory.
skydivephil
Messages
470
Reaction score
9
Can someone give a clear definition of what we mean when we say the CMb spectrum is adiabatic and what it means for simple infaltionary models?
 
Last edited:
Space news on Phys.org


Thanks for that but I don't see cosmology or CMb research listed as one of those concepts.
 


It is usually used in the context of the density perturbations. In particular the density perturbations will be the same for all constituent components of the Universe:

\frac{\delta \rho_a}{(\rho_a + \bar{\rho})} will be the same for all components (enumerated by 'a') where \bar{\rho} is our mean background value. Have a quick glance at the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primordial_fluctuations" page.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Thanks
 


The alternatives to adiabatic are usually along the lines of 'isocurvature' fluctuations etc. Just in case you were interested here are a few interesting links:

http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9610219"

http://arxiv.org/abs/0907.0261"

http://arxiv.org/abs/0803.0547" (This has a clearer discussion than the 7yr or 3yr papers in my opinion. ; It's also well referenced so you can seek out other papers of interest etc.)

http://arxiv.org/abs/0812.3500"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recombination_(cosmology) Was a matter density right after the decoupling low enough to consider the vacuum as the actual vacuum, and not the medium through which the light propagates with the speed lower than ##({\epsilon_0\mu_0})^{-1/2}##? I'm asking this in context of the calculation of the observable universe radius, where the time integral of the inverse of the scale factor is multiplied by the constant speed of light ##c##.
Why was the Hubble constant assumed to be decreasing and slowing down (decelerating) the expansion rate of the Universe, while at the same time Dark Energy is presumably accelerating the expansion? And to thicken the plot. recent news from NASA indicates that the Hubble constant is now increasing. Can you clarify this enigma? Also., if the Hubble constant eventually decreases, why is there a lower limit to its value?
Back
Top