Constraining auto-interaction terms in α-attractor supergravity models of inflation

The inflationary mechanism has become the paradigm of modern cosmology over the last thirty years. However, there are several aspects of inflationary physics that are still to be addressed, like the shape of the inflationary potential. Regarding this, the so-called α-attractor models show interesting properties. In this work, the reconstruction of the effective potential around the global minimum of these particular potentials is provided, assuming a detection of permille-order for the tensor-to-scalar-ratio by forthcoming cosmic microwave background or gravitational waves experiments

Reconstruction of α\alpha-attractor supergravity models of inflation

In this paper, we apply reconstruction techniques to recover the potential parameters for a particular class of single-field models, the $\alpha$-attractor (supergravity) models of inflation. This also allows to derive the inflaton vacuum expectation value at horizon crossing. We show how to use this value as one of the input variables to constrain the postaccelerated inflationary phase. We assume that the tensor-to-scalar ratio $r$ is of the order of $10^{-3}$ , a level reachable by the expected sensitivity of the next-generation CMB experiments.Comment: 10 pages, LaTeX, some typos correcte

Forecasting isocurvature models with CMB lensing information: axion and curvaton scenarios

Some inflationary models predict the existence of isocurvature primordial fluctuations, in addition to the well known adiabatic perturbation. Such mixed models are not yet ruled out by available data sets. In this paper we explore the possibility of obtaining better constraints on the isocurva- ture contribution from future astronomical data. We consider the axion and curvaton inflationary scenarios, and use Planck satellite experimental specifications together with SDSS galaxy survey to forecast for the best parameter error estimation by means of the Fisher information matrix formal- ism. In particular, we consider how CMB lensing information can improve this forecast. We found substantial improvements for all the considered cosmological parameters. In the case of isocurvature amplitude this improvement is strongly model dependent, varying between less than 1% and above 20% around its fiducial value. Furthermore, CMB lensing enables the degeneracy break between the isocurvature amplitude and correlation phase in one of the models. In this sense, CMB lensing information will be crucial in the analysis of future data.Comment: Accepted for publication in PR

Fast Spherical Harmonic Analysis: a quick algorithm for generating and/or inverting full sky, high resolution CMB Anisotropy maps

We present a fast algorithm for generating full sky, high resolution ($\sim 5'$) simulations of the CMB anisotropy pattern. We also discuss the inverse problem, that of evaluating from such a map the full set of $a_{\ell m}$'s and the spectral coefficients $C_\ell$. We show that using an Equidistant Cylindrical Projection of the sky substantially speeds up the calculations. Thus, generating and/or inverting a full sky, high resolution map can be easily achieved with present day computer technology.Comment: 13 pages, LaTex, 5 PostScript figures included, 1 colour plate available (PostScript version, 1.6 Mb) at http://itovf2.roma2.infn.it/natoli

CMB Polarization: Scientific Case and Data Analysis Issues

We review the science case for studying CMB polarization. We then discuss the main issues related to the analysis of forth-coming polarized CMB data, such as those expected from balloon-borne (e.g. BOOMERanG) and satellite (e.g. Planck) experiments.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures. To appear in "Astrophysical Polarized Background" Workshop Proceedings, eds. S. Cecchini, S. Cortiglioni, R. Sault and C. Sbarra, AIP, in pres

Optimal strategy for polarization modulation in the LSPE-SWIPE experiment

Context. Cosmic microwave background (CMB) B-mode experiments are required to control systematic effects with an unprecedented level of accuracy. Polarization modulation by a half wave plate (HWP) is a powerful technique able to mitigate a large number of the instrumental systematics. Aims. Our goal is to optimize the polarization modulation strategy of the upcoming LSPE-SWIPE balloon-borne experiment, devoted to the accurate measurement of CMB polarization at large angular scales. Methods. We departed from the nominal LSPE-SWIPE modulation strategy (HWP stepped every 60 s with a telescope scanning at around 12 deg/s) and performed a thorough investigation of a wide range of possible HWP schemes (either in stepped or continuously spinning mode and at different azimuth telescope scan-speeds) in the frequency, map and angular power spectrum domain. In addition, we probed the effect of high-pass and band-pass filters of the data stream and explored the HWP response in the minimal case of one detector for one operation day (critical for the single-detector calibration process). We finally tested the modulation performance against typical HWP-induced systematics. Results. Our analysis shows that some stepped HWP schemes, either slowly rotating or combined with slow telescope modulations, represent poor choices. Moreover, our results point out that the nominal configuration may not be the most convenient choice. While a large class of spinning designs provides comparable results in terms of pixel angle coverage, map-making residuals and BB power spectrum standard deviations with respect to the nominal strategy, we find that some specific configurations (e.g., a rapidly spinning HWP with a slow gondola modulation) allow a more efficient polarization recovery in more general real-case situations. Conclusions. Although our simulations are specific to the LSPE-SWIPE mission, the general outcomes of our analysis can be easily generalized to other CMB polarization experiments