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Cosmology with Rayleigh scattering of the CMB

Speaker

Benjamin Beringue
University of Cardiff (UK)

Abstract

Rayleigh scattering of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is a less studied yet potentially powerful probe of the recombination history. Scattering of CMB photons off neutral species right after recombination presents a distinctive ν4 scaling with frequency as well as a strong correlation with the primary CMB. These unique features should facilitate its detection by the next generation of CMB experiments. We will present detectability forecasts combining the Simons Observatory and CCAT-prime telescopes, two ground based observatories currently under construction, as well as more futuristic space missions. We will present potential cosmological implications of the detection of this signal by studying improvement of parameter constrains. Finally, we will assess the impact of foreground contamination and instrumental systematics on the detectability of the Rayleigh scattering signal. 

Date and Time

November 11 2021
4pm KST (= 7am UTC)

Recording

Link to the recording on Youtube