Non-Gaussianity in a Matter Bounce

TL;DR

This paper explores a matter bounce cosmology as an alternative to inflation, focusing on its unique non-Gaussian signatures in cosmological fluctuations that can distinguish it from inflationary models.

Contribution

It identifies specific non-Gaussian features in matter bounce scenarios, providing potential observational signatures to differentiate from inflation.

Findings

Distinct non-Gaussian signatures identified

Potential observational tests proposed

Alternative to inflation for generating scale-invariant fluctuations

Abstract

A nonsingular bouncing cosmology in which the scales of interest today exit the Hubble radius in a matter-dominated contracting phase yields an alternative to inflation for producing a scale-invariant spectrum of adiabatic cosmological fluctuations. In this paper we identify signatures in the non-Gaussianities of the fluctuations which are specific to this scenario and allow it to be distinguished from the results of inflationary models.