6,115 research outputs found
Hyperextended Cosmological Perturbation Theory: Predicting Non-linear Clustering Amplitudes
We consider the long-standing problem of predicting the hierarchical
clustering amplitudes in the strongly non-linear regime of gravitational
evolution. N-body results for the non-linear evolution of the bispectrum (the
Fourier transform of the three-point density correlation function) suggest a
physically motivated ansatz that yields the strongly non-linear behavior of the
skewness, , starting from leading-order perturbation theory. When
generalized to higher-order () polyspectra or correlation functions, this
ansatz leads to a good description of non-linear amplitudes in the strongly
non-linear regime for both scale-free and cold dark matter models. Furthermore,
these results allow us to provide a general fitting formula for the non-linear
evolution of the bispectrum that interpolates between the weakly and strongly
non-linear regimes, analogous to previous expressions for the power spectrum.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures. Final version accepted by ApJ. Includes new
paragraphs on factorizable hierarchical models and agreement of HEPT with the
excursion set model for white-noise Gaussian fluctuation
An inquiry-based learning approach to teaching information retrieval
The study of information retrieval (IR) has increased in interest and importance with the explosive growth of online information in recent years. Learning about IR within formal courses of study enables users of search engines to use
them more knowledgeably and effectively, while providing the starting point for the explorations of new researchers into novel search technologies. Although IR can be taught in a traditional manner of formal classroom instruction with students being led through the details of the subject and expected to reproduce this in assessment, the nature of IR as a topic makes it an ideal subject for inquiry-based learning approaches to teaching. In an inquiry-based learning approach students are introduced to the principles of a subject and then encouraged to develop their understanding by solving structured or open problems. Working through solutions in subsequent class discussions enables students to appreciate the availability of alternative solutions as proposed by their classmates. Following this approach students not only learn the details of IR techniques, but significantly, naturally learn to apply them in solution of problems. In doing this they not only gain an appreciation of alternative solutions to a problem, but also how to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses. Developing confidence and skills in problem solving enables student assessment to be structured around solution of problems. Thus students can be assessed on the basis of their understanding and ability to apply techniques, rather simply their skill at reciting facts. This has the additional benefit of encouraging general problem solving skills which can be of benefit in other subjects. This approach to teaching IR was successfully implemented in an undergraduate module where students were
assessed in a written examination exploring their knowledge and understanding of the principles of IR and their ability to apply them to solving problems, and a written assignment based on developing an individual research proposal
The Angular Three-Point Correlation Function in the Quasilinear Regime
We calculate the normalized angular three-point correlation function (3PCF),
, as well as the normalized angular skewness, , assuming the
small-angle approximation, for a biased mass distribution in flat and open
cold-dark-matter (CDM) models with Gaussian initial conditions. The
leading-order perturbative results incorporate the explicit dependence on the
cosmological parameters, the shape of the CDM transfer function, the linear
evolution of the power spectrum, the form of redshift distribution function,
and linear and nonlinear biasing, which may be evolving. Results are presented
for different redshift distributions, including that appropriate for the APM
Galaxy Survey, as well as for a survey with a mean redshift of (such as the VLA FIRST Survey). Qualitatively, many of the results found for
and are similar to those obtained in a related treatment of the
spatial skewness and 3PCF (Buchalter & Kamionkowski 1999), such as a
leading-order correction to the standard result for in the case of
nonlinear bias (as defined for unsmoothed density fields), and the sensitivity
of the configuration dependence of to both cosmological and biasing models.
We show that since angular CFs are sensitive to clustering over a range of
redshifts, the various evolutionary dependences included in our predictions
imply that measurements of in a deep survey might better discriminate
between models with different histories, such as evolving vs. non-evolving
bias, that can have similar spatial CFs at low redshift. Our calculations
employ a derived equation---valid for open, closed, and flat models---for
obtaining the angular bispectrum from the spatial bispectrum in the small-angle
approximation.Comment: 45 pages, including 11 Figures, submitted to the Astrophysical
Journa
Probing Primordial Non-Gaussianity with Large-Scale Structure
We consider primordial non-Gaussianity due to quadratic corrections in the
gravitational potential parametrized by a non-linear coupling parameter fnl. We
study constraints on fnl from measurements of the galaxy bispectrum in redshift
surveys. Using estimates for idealized survey geometries of the 2dF and SDSS
surveys and realistic ones from SDSS mock catalogs, we show that it is possible
to probe |fnl|~100, after marginalization over bias parameters. We apply our
methods to the galaxy bispectrum measured from the PSCz survey, and obtain a
2sigma-constraint |fnl|< 1800. We estimate that an all sky redshift survey up
to z~1 can probe |fnl|~1. We also consider the use of cluster abundance to
constrain fnl and find that in order to be sensitive to |fnl|~100, cluster
masses need to be determined with an accuracy of a few percent, assuming
perfect knowledge of the mass function and cosmological parameters.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figure
Jamming non-local quantum correlations
We present a possible scheme to tamper with non-local quantum correlations in
a way that is consistent with relativistic causality, but goes beyond quantum
mechanics. A non-local ``jamming" mechanism, operating within a certain
space-time window, would not violate relativistic causality and would not lead
to contradictory causal loops. The results presented in this Letter do not
depend on any model of how quantum correlations arise and apply to any jamming
mechanism.Comment: 10 pp, LaTe
Long range neutrino forces in the cosmic relic neutrino background
Neutrinos mediate long range forces among macroscopic bodies in vacuum. When
the bodies are placed in the neutrino cosmic background, these forces are
modified. Indeed, at distances long compared to the scale , the relic
neutrinos completely screen off the 2-neutrino exchange force, whereas for
small distances the interaction remains unaffected.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figure
Small-Scale Fluctuations in Cosmic X-ray Background : A Power Spectrum Approach
Equations to investigate fluctuations in cosmic X-ray background radiation
due to point-like sources at high-redshift are formulated in a systematic way.
The angular power spectrum of X-ray background fluctuations is investigated
from large-scales to small-scales in various cosmological models such as open
universe models and models with the cosmological constant, assuming a simple
evolution model of the sources. The effect of epoch-dependent bias is
demonstrated for small-angle fluctuations. The contribution from shot noise
fluctuations is also discussed.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, Phys.Rev.D in pres
Violation of Bell inequalities by photons more than 10 km apart
A Franson-type test of Bell inequalities by photons 10.9 km apart is
presented. Energy-time entangled photon-pairs are measured using two-channel
analyzers, leading to a violation of the inequalities by 16 standard deviations
without subtracting accidental coincidences. Subtracting them, a 2-photon
interference visibility of 95.5% is observed, demonstrating that distances up
to 10 km have no significant effect on entanglement. This sets quantum
cryptography with photon pairs as a practical competitor to the schemes based
on weak pulses.Comment: 4 pages, REVTeX, 2 postscript figures include
- …