The Primordial Density Perturbation: Cosmology, Inflation and the Origin of Structure
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Rev Ed, 6/11/2009
EAN 9780521828499, ISBN10: 052182849X
Hardcover, 516 pages, 24.9 x 18 x 2.8 cm
Language: English
The origin and evolution of the primordial perturbation is the key to understanding structure formation in the earliest stages of the Universe. It carries clues to the types of physical phenomena active in that extreme high-density environment. Through its evolution, generating first the observed cosmic microwave background anisotropies and later the distribution of galaxies and dark matter in the Universe, it probes the properties and dynamics of the present Universe. This graduate-level textbook gives a thorough account of theoretical cosmology and perturbations in the early Universe, describing their observational consequences and showing how to relate such observations to primordial physical processes, particularly cosmological inflation. With ambitious observational programmes complementing ever-increasing sophistication in theoretical modelling, cosmological studies will remain at the cutting edge of astrophysical studies for the foreseeable future.
1. Overview
Part I. Relativity
2. Special relativity
3. General relativity
Part II. The Universe after the First Second
4. The unperturbed Universe
5. The primordial density perturbation
6. Stochastic properties
7. Newtonian perturbations
8. General relativistic perturbations
9. The matter distribution
10. Cosmic microwave background anistropy
11. Boltzmann hierarchy and polarization
12. Isocurvature and tensor modes
Part III. Field Theory
13. Scalar fields and gravity
14. Internal symmetry
15. Quantum field theory
16. The Standard Model
17. Supersymmetry
Part IV. Inflation and the Early Universe
18. Slow-roll inflation
19. More inflation paradigms
20. Reheating and phase transitions
21. Baryon number, CDM and dark energy
22. Generating field perturbations at horizon exit
23. Generating ζ at horizon exit
24. Generating ζ and Si after horizon exit
25. Slow-roll inflation and observation
Appendixes
Index.
'I like this book a lot. It is written very clearly and organised so well that it is easy to navigate. Both authors are undoubted experts and they handle the material with confidence as well as displaying deep insights and physical understanding.' Peter Coles, The Observatory