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PhysRevD.75.065015.pdf (1.71 MB)

CMB power spectrum contribution from cosmic strings using field-evolution simulations of the Abelian Higgs model

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posted on 2023-06-08, 08:45 authored by Neil Bevis, Mark HindmarshMark Hindmarsh, Martin Kunz, Jon Urrestilla
We present the first field-theoretic calculations of the contribution made by cosmic strings to the temperature power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Unlike previous work, in which strings were modeled as idealized one-dimensional objects, we evolve the simplest example of an underlying field theory containing local U(1) strings, the Abelian Higgs model. Limitations imposed by finite computational volumes are overcome using the scaling property of string networks and a further extrapolation related to the lessening of the string width in comoving coordinates. The strings and their decay products, which are automatically included in the field theory approach, source metric perturbations via their energy-momentum tensor, the unequal-time correlation functions of which are used as input into the CMB calculation phase. These calculations involve the use of a modified version of CMBEASY, with results provided over the full range of relevant scales. We find that the string tension required to normalize to the WMAP 3-year data at multipole [script-l]=10 is G=[2.040.06(stat.)0.12(sys.)]10-6, where we have quoted statistical and systematic errors separately, and G is Newton's constant. This is a factor 23 higher than values in current circulation.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Physical Review D

ISSN

0556-2821

Issue

6

Volume

75

Page range

0650151-22

Pages

22.0

Department affiliated with

  • Physics and Astronomy Publications

Notes

Collaboration leader and supervisor of research student Bevis and PDRAs Kunz and Urrestilla. The world's first calculation of the signals of cosmic strings in the CMB (Cosmic Microwave Background) using numerical solutions of an underlying field theory. The results are crucial for the assessment of cosmological models with cosmic (super)strings.

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-03-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-11-10

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