Figure 26-5: R I V U X G
Polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background The polarization axes of CMB light are indicated by the orientation of the small black lines. In the two spots on the left, as CMB radiation scatters off of denser regions in the early universe, a unique ring-structured polarization pattern is created. These are the regions that show up as cooler blue spots in images of the CMB temperature fluctuations (such as Figure 25-13). In the two spots on the right, a unique pattern is also created when the CMB scatters off of warmer regions of matter. While these polarization measurements agree with predictions, they are not sensitive enough to test the inflation model, and more sensitive experiments have already begun.
Polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background The polarization axes of CMB light are indicated by the orientation of the small black lines. In the two spots on the left, as CMB radiation scatters off of denser regions in the early universe, a unique ring-structured polarization pattern is created. These are the regions that show up as cooler blue spots in images of the CMB temperature fluctuations (such as Figure 25-13). In the two spots on the right, a unique pattern is also created when the CMB scatters off of warmer regions of matter. While these polarization measurements agree with predictions, they are not sensitive enough to test the inflation model, and more sensitive experiments have already begun.
(NASA/WMAP Science Team)