Relativistic cosmology and large-scale structure

TL;DR

This review discusses how general relativity underpins modern cosmology, focusing on the dynamics, perturbations, and large-scale structure formation within the Friedmann-Lemaitre universe, using a unified 1+3 covariant formalism.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of relativistic cosmological perturbations and structure formation using a consistent formalism, integrating recent theoretical and observational advances.

Findings

Advances in understanding linear and non-linear perturbations

Insights into large-scale structure formation processes

Analysis of cosmic microwave background physics

Abstract

General relativity marked the beginning of modern cosmology and it has since been at the centre of many of the key developments in this field. In the present review, we discuss the general-relativistic dynamics and perturbations of the standard cosmological model, the Friedmann-Lemaitre universe, and how these can explain and predict the properties of the observable universe. Our aim is to provide an overview of the progress made in several major research areas, such as linear and non-linear cosmological perturbations, large-scale structure formation and the physics of the cosmic microwave background radiation, in view of current and upcoming observations. We do this by using a single formalism throughout the review, the 1+3 covariant approach to cosmology, which allows for a uniform and balanced presentation of technical information and physical insight.