Newtonian perturbation theory in cosmology: From inflation to large-scale structure

Abstract

Cosmology is the scientific study of the physical characteristics of the universe, its beginning, development and organization, based on observational outcomes and theoretical foundations. The Lambda-CDM model is currently one of the most popular theories in cosmology. This model of the universe outlines the behavior of the cosmos through the use of dark matter and energy. The cosmological constant (dark energy) is an energy density used to describe the acceleration of the expansion of the universe. From this model, it can be seen that cold dark matter and dark energy contribute greatly to the total mass-energy density of the universe. While dark matter affects the dynamics of galaxies and large-scale structures, dark energy drives the accelerated expansion of the universe. However, ongoing problems led to the formulation of "inflation theory." Inflation theory is a convincing paradigm that solves fundamental questions like the flatness problem and the horizon problem, which ask why the universe appears nearly flat and why distant parts show similar properties. Inflation hypothesis argues that the universe had a rapid expansion during its formative period, which mitigated initial anomalies and established the foundational conditions for the world we observe today. Numerous mathematical models have been introduced to advance inflation theory, including scalar field inflation, Starobinsky inflation, and Higgs inflation, which explain the dynamics of early expansion and the transformation of primordial perturbations into extensive cosmic structures. We also need observational evidence from the early cosmos to prove these theoretical hypotheses. The cosmic microwave background (CMB) and large-scale structure (LSS) are two of the most critical. CMB is described as the conditions immediately after the Big Bang and gives us a perspective on what the early universe was like, while Large Scale Structure (LSS) refers to the general arrangement of galaxies and matter throughout cosmic history. To form these structures one has to consider both the observation of them and the processes by which they are formed. The growth of cosmic structures is mainly due to gravitational collapse, which amplifies small density perturbations in the early universe. This process is also understood by using Newtonian perturbation theory, which is a useful approach to describing how early anisotropies evolve into the large scale structures we see today. The concepts of Jeans length, growth function, transfer function and power spectrum are useful tools to study the evolution of structures and distribution of matter and to generate theoretical data to compare with experimental data. However, the examination of nonlinear evolution show that the creation of xxi structures has a more complex background. Different theoretical instruments have been used to analyze this complicated structure. The spherical collapse model elucidates the evolution of overdense regions into stable entities like galaxies and galaxy clusters, whereas the idea of virialization delineates the equilibrium state of these structures, especially dark matter halos. Moreover, the Press-Schechter theory offers a statistical framework for elucidating the creation of cosmic formations. This theory provides an analytical approach to assess the mass distribution of collapsed entities. The mass function forecasts the probability of structure formation across various masses, whereas biasing delineates the correlation between observable galaxies and the fundamental density field. Comprehending the genesis and evolution of the universe necessitates a comprehensive methodology that integrates theoretical, observational, and statistical analyses. Newtonian perturbation theory is a crucial instrument for examining large-scale structures, with its validity corroborated by empirical evidence and simulations.