TUNA Lunch Talk:

Siddharth Savysachi Malu

Raman Research Institute, Bangalore

Bolometric Interferometry for CMB Polarization

May 24

12:10PM, Room 230, NRAO, Edgemont Road

Abstract:

CMB studies are now~a data-rich field in astrophysics. The power spectrum of CMB is well measured and cosmological models have been characterized and polarization has been detected in the CMB. All results fit well within and are explained well by the inflationary paradigm. But current evidence for inflation is indirect. The next generation of CMB experiments will aim at providing the most direct evidence for inflation through the detection of B-modes in CMB polarization. Despite improvements in experimental techniques, it is as yet unclear what configuration and approach a CMB polarization experiment should adopt, in view of lack of information about polarization foregrounds and instrument systematic effects. I will describe a novel approach to these measurements, called bolometric interferometry, which avoids many of the systematic errors found in imaging systems. In particular, I will discuss a prototype, the Millimeter-wave Bolometric Interferometer (MBI). I will also discuss plans for feasibility studies for detecting CMB polarization foregrounds and signals with adding interferometers.