On the Large Scale CMB Polarization

TL;DR

This paper explores how the anisotropic geometry of the universe could produce large-scale polarization in the cosmic microwave background, predicting measurable effects that upcoming Planck data could test.

Contribution

It proposes a model linking universe anisotropy at decoupling to CMB polarization, offering an alternative to reionization explanations.

Findings

Estimated polarization amplitude of (0.5 - 1.0) x 10^{-6}

Suggests Planck data can distinguish between anisotropy and reionization scenarios

Highlights the impact of spatial geometry anisotropy on CMB polarization

Abstract

We discuss the large scale polarization of the cosmic microwave background induced by the anisotropy of the spatial geometry of our universe. Assuming an eccentricity at decoupling of about $0.64 10^{-2}$, we find an average large scale polarization $\Delta T_{pol}/ T_0 = (0.5 - 1.0) 10^{-6}$. We suggest that the fortcoming polarization data at large scales from Planck will be able to discriminate between our proposal and the generally accepted reionization scenario.