The non-linear evolution of the cosmic microwave background

by Cyril Pitrou (Univ. of Oslo)

Friday 6 Mar 2009, 11:30 → 12:30 Europe/Zurich

Univ. de Geneve, Auditoire 234 (Univ. de Geneve, Auditoire 234)

Non-Gaussian effects in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) can arise either from the primordial phase of the universe or from the subsequent non-linear evolution. I will focus on the latter point and review the perturbation theory beyond linear order. I will detail how the kinetic theory can be used in cosmology to derive the evolution of perturbations for polarized radiation. Finally I will present why the collapse of dark matter is the main source of non-Gaussianity in the CMB on small scales.