The Fourier Space Statistics of Seedlike Cosmological Perturbations

Abstract

We propose a new test for distinguishing observationally cosmological models based on seed-like primordial perturbations (like cosmic strings or textures), from models based on Gaussian fluctuations. We investigate analytically the {\it Fourier space} statistical properties of temperature or density fluctuation patterns generated by seed-like objects and compare these properties with those of Gaussian fluctuations generated during inflation. We show that the proposed statistical test can easily identify temperature fluctuations produced by a superposition of a small number of seeds per horizon scale for {\it any} observational angular resolution and {\it any} seed geometry. However, due to the Central Limit Theorem, the distinction becomes more difficult as the number of seeds in the fluctuation pattern increases.

12 pages plus 1 Figure (available upon request). Use LaTeX. To appear in M.N.R.A.S., preprint No. CfA-3591