Transformations with the Mukhanov variable (Cosmology)

  • Thread starter Thread starter ergospherical
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the transformation of the Mukhanov variable in cosmology, specifically how to express the action in terms of the Mukhanov variable \( v \equiv z\mathcal{R} \). The parameter \( z \) is defined as \( z^2 = 2a^2 \epsilon \), where \( a \) is the scale factor and \( \epsilon \) is the slow-roll parameter. The action is derived as \( S = \frac{1}{2} \int d\tau d^3 x \ \left[(v')^2 - (\partial_i v)^2 + \frac{z''}{z}v^2 \right] \), with \( \mathcal{R}' \) expressed in terms of \( v \) and its derivatives. The relationship \( \frac{z''}{z} = \mathcal{H}^2(2-\epsilon + \frac{3}{2}\eta) \) is also established, indicating the need for further equations to connect \( z' \) and \( z'' \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cosmological perturbation theory
  • Familiarity with the Mukhanov variable and its significance
  • Knowledge of the slow-roll approximation in inflationary cosmology
  • Proficiency in calculus, specifically derivatives and integrals in multiple dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Mukhanov variable in detail
  • Explore the implications of the slow-roll parameter \( \epsilon \) in cosmological models
  • Learn about the role of the scale factor \( a \) in the evolution of the universe
  • Investigate the mathematical techniques for handling second derivatives in cosmological equations
USEFUL FOR

Cosmologists, theoretical physicists, and advanced students in astrophysics who are working on inflationary models and perturbation theory in cosmology.

ergospherical
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Education Advisor
Insights Author
Messages
1,100
Reaction score
1,387
Homework Statement
See below
Relevant Equations
N/A
I've been going around in circles for a while. We have a parameter ##z##, defined through$$z^2 = 2a^2 \epsilon$$where ##a## is the scale factor and ##\epsilon## is the slow-roll parameter. Considering the action$$S = \frac{1}{2} \int d\tau d^3 x \ z^2 \left[(\mathcal{R}')^2 - (\partial_i \mathcal{R})^2 \right]$$with ##\mathcal{R}## the comoving curvature perturbation. We want to write this in terms of a new 'Mukhanov' variable ##v \equiv z\mathcal{R}##. This is where the confusion starts - specifically with ##\mathcal{R}'##. You can find easily that$$\mathcal{R}' = \frac{v'}{z} - \frac{z' v}{z^2}$$We are looking to arrive at $$S = \frac{1}{2} \int d\tau d^3 x \ \left[(v')^2 - (\partial_i v)^2 + \frac{z''}{z}v^2 \right]$$It looks like I need another equation, to get from ##z'##s to ##z''##s. I've previously showed that ##\tfrac{z''}{z} = \mathcal{H}^2(2-\epsilon + \tfrac{3}{2}\eta)##, just from the definition of ##z## and taking some care to keep only first order perturbations, but can't see whether this is useful.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is it taken from some book or paper this question of yours?
 
What is ##\partial_i R##?
Derivative w.r.t what?
 
##\partial_i = \partial/\partial x^i##
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
3K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
697
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K