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arXiv · 2211.09617

Detecting deviations from Gaussianity in high-redshift CMB lensing maps

Zhuoqi Zhang·Yuuki Omori·Chihway Chang
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Abstract

While the probability density function (PDF) of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) convergence field approximately follows a Gaussian distribution, primordial non-Gaussianities and small contributions from structures at low redshifts make the overall distribution slightly non-Gaussian. Some of the late-time component can be modelled using the distribution of galaxies and subtracted off from the original CMB lensing map to produce a map of matter distribution at high redshifts. Using this high-redshift mass map, we are able to directly study the early phases of structure formation. In this work, we forecast the detectability of signatures of non-Gaussianity due to nonlinear structure formation at $z>1.2$. Assuming the optimal case of no systematics, we find that it is challenging to detect such signatures in current surveys, but future experiments such as the deep field of CMB-S4 will be able to make detections of $\sim7σ$.

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Zhuoqi Zhang, Yuuki Omori, Chihway Chang. 2023-08-15. Detecting deviations from Gaussianity in high-redshift CMB lensing maps. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras%2Fstad2330

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