Abstract
We predict the polarization of cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons that results from a cosmic bubble collision. The polarization is purely E-mode, symmetric around the axis pointing towards the collision bubble, and has several salient features in its radial dependence that can help distinguish it from a more conventional explanation for unusually cold or hot features in the CMB sky. The anomalous "cold spot" detected by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) satellite is a candidate for a feature produced by such a collision, and the Planck satellite and other proposed surveys will measure the polarization on it in the near future. The detection of such a collision would provide compelling evidence for the string theory landscape.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 023 |
Journal | Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics |
Volume | 2010 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2010 |
Keywords
- CMBR polarisation
- String theory and cosmology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics