Transformations with the Mukhanov variable (Cosmology)

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

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the transformation of variables in cosmological perturbation theory, specifically focusing on the Mukhanov variable and its relation to the comoving curvature perturbation. The original poster attempts to rewrite the action in terms of the Mukhanov variable, encountering confusion regarding the derivatives involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the Mukhanov variable and the comoving curvature perturbation, questioning the derivatives and the definitions involved. There is an inquiry into the source of the original problem and clarification on the notation used for derivatives.

Discussion Status

Some participants are seeking clarification on the context of the problem and the definitions used, while the original poster is attempting to connect different equations. There is an ongoing exploration of the mathematical relationships without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references specific equations and parameters from cosmological theory, indicating a focus on first-order perturbations and the slow-roll approximation. There may be assumptions about the familiarity with the underlying concepts and notation 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
801
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K