Gaussian approximation for non-linearity parameter estimation in perturbed random fields on the sphere

TL;DR

This paper rigorously analyzes the asymptotic behavior of a spherical harmonic-based estimator for primordial non-Gaussianity in the CMB, providing theoretical guarantees and practical insights for high-resolution data analysis.

Contribution

It establishes a quantitative central limit theorem for the KSW estimator using Wiener chaos theory, with explicit convergence rates.

Findings

Proves a central limit theorem for the estimator.

Provides explicit convergence rates based on multipole range.

Ensures robustness of the estimator for high-resolution CMB data.

Abstract

The nonlinear parameter measures the amplitude of primordial non-Gaussianity in the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB), offering a crucial test of early universe models. While standard single field inflation predicts nearly Gaussian fluctuations, more complex scenarios yield subtle non Gaussian signals, particularly captured by the CMB bispectrum. In the local model, these signals arise through a quadratic correction to a Gaussian field. To estimate the nonlinear parameter, we adopt a Komatsu Spergel Wandelt (KSW) type estimator, based on spherical harmonics and Wigner 3j symbols, and adapted to narrow band configurations that depend on the range of multipoles considered. In this paper, we rigorously study its asymptotic properties by applying fourth-moment theorems from Wiener chaos theory. More in detail, we establish a quantitative central limit theorem for the KSW estimator, with an explicit convergence rate controlled by number of admissible multipoles. Our results establish both theoretical guarantees and practical robustness for high resolution CMB analyses.