Thesis

Non-Gaussian models for the formation of large-scale structure in the Universe

• Call:

  FCT / IDPASC call 2011

• Academic Year:

  2011 / 2012

• Domain:

  Cosmology

• Supervisor:

  Pedro Viana

• Co-Supervisor:

  Pedro Avelino

• Institution:

  MAP-Fis

• Host Institution:

  Universidade do Porto

• Abstract:

  The standard model for the formation and evolution of large-scale structure in the Universe relies on the assumption that the initial density perturbations were generated randomly, and thus that the probability distribution associated with their amplitudes is Gaussian. However, if theoretical models that predict otherwise are correct, then the assumption of perfect Gaussianity will lead to biases in the estimation of cosmological parameters, namely if the methods used rely on the properties of the large-scale structure in the Universe. The magnitude of these biases has never been thoroughly estimated, and it will constitute the major focus of this thesis. In order to achieve it, work will also need to be done in the theoretical modelling of the process of structure formation in models with non-Gaussian density perturbations, as well as in the development of algorithms for the extraction of information on cosmological parameters from observational data. The student will be expected to regularly visit the Centro de Astronomia e Astrofísica da Universidade de Lisboa (CAAUL), as part of a collaboration with Ismael Tereno on the topic of weak lensing of large scale structure.