Scale-dependent non-Gaussianity and the CMB power asymmetry

We introduce an alternative parametrisation for the scale dependence of the non-linearity parameter f(NL) in quasi-local models of non-Gaussianity. Our parametrisation remains valid when fNL changes sign, unlike the commonly adopted power law ansatz f(NL)(k) proportional to k(NL)(nf). We motivate our alternative parametrisation by appealing to the self-interacting curvaton scenario, and as an application, we apply it to the CMB power asymmetry. Explaining the power asymmetry requires a strongly scale dependent non-Gaussianity. We show that regimes of model parameter space where fNL is strongly scale dependent are typically associated with a large g(NL) and quadrupolar power asymmetry, which can be ruled out by existing observational constraints.