The physics of the early universe from CMB and Large Scale Structure

Azadeh Moradinezhad
Buffalo

Abstract:

Observations of both the Cosmic Microwave Background and large-scale structure are compatible with a spectrum of nearly scale-invariant and Gaussian primordial perturbations, in agreement with the predictions of the simplest inflationary models. However, inflation is not the only mechanism to generate cosmological perturbations consistent with data. In the first part of this talk I focus on the questions of what kind of cosmic evolution can give rise to the perturbations that can seed the structure in the universe. The second half of the talk is concerned with searching for a new probe of primordial non- Gaussianity to study the interactions during inflation. In particular I will discuss the possible imprint of primordial non-Gaussianity on dark matter halo profiles and present some preliminary results.