CMB spectral distortions and anisotropies from the primordial Universe

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The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) provides an invaluable source of information about the Universe we live in. Aside from the well-studied CMB temperature and polarization anisotropoies, early-universe processes can also create so-called spectral distortions - departures of the CMB energy spectrum from that of a perfect blackbody - which allow us to probe epochs and physical scales that are otherwise inaccessible. The goal of this research project is to study the various early-universe processes that create CMB spectral distortions, both to the average sky signal as well as varying in different directions, and how future spectrometers like PIXIE or its enhanced versions can be used to learn about these mechanisms. Particular focus will be on non-standard inflation models that potentially create large small-scale scalar and tensor fluctuations and how these evolve through cosmic history. New tools to compute CMB distortion signals from various scenarios will be developed. This study will show what unique information CMB distortion measurements will provide and what experimental design-refinements could improve the scientific return of future CMB spectrometers.