A new approach to probing primordial non-Gaussianity

Abstract

We address the dual challenge of estimating deviations from Gaussianity arising in models of the early Universe, whilst retaining information necessary to assess whether a detection of non-Gaussianity is primordial. We do this by constructing a new statistic, the bispectrum-related power spectrum, which is constructed from a map of the cosmic microwave background. The estimator is optimized for primordial non-Gaussianity detection, but can also be useful in distinguishing primordial non-Gaussianity from secondary non-Gaussianity, such as may arise from unsubtracted point sources, or residuals from component separation. Extending earlier studies we present unbiased non-Gaussianity estimators optimized for partial sky coverage and inhomogeneous noise associated with realistic scan strategies, but which retain the ability to assess foreground contamination. © 2009 RAS.