CMB anisotropies generated by cosmic string loops

We investigate the contribution of cosmic string loops to the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies. This is done by extending the unconnected segment model (USM) to include the contribution of the cosmic string loops created throughout the cosmological evolution of a cosmic string network to the stress-energy tensor. We then implement this extended USM in the publicly available CMBACT code and obtain the linear cold dark matter power spectrum and the CMB angular power spectra generated by cosmic string loops. We find that the shape of the angular power spectra generated by loops is, in general, similar to that of long strings. However, there is generally an enhancement of the anisotropies on small angular scales. Vector modes produced by loops dominate over those produced by long strings for large multipole moments l. The contribution of loops to the CMB anisotropies generated by cosmic string networks may mach a level of 10% for large loops but decreases as the size of loops decreases. This contribution may then be significant and, thus, this extension provides a more accurate prediction of the CMB anisotropies generated by cosmic string networks.

Automated summary

The study investigates the contribution of cosmic string loops to the cosmic microwave background anisotropies, finding that loops enhance anisotropies on small angular scales and may account for 10% of the CMB anisotropies.