Abstract
We have developed an improved recombination calculation of H, He i, and He ii in the early universe that involves a line-by-line treatment of each atomic level. We find two major differences compared with previous calculations. First, the ionization fraction xe is approximately 10% smaller for redshifts &800 because of nonequilibrium processes in the excited states of H. Second, He i recombination is much slower than previously thought, and it is delayed until just before H recombines. We describe the basic physics behind the new results and present a simple way to reproduce our calculation. This should enable a fast computation of the ionization history (and of the quantities such as the power spectrum of cosmic microwave background anisotropies that depend on it) for arbitrary cosmologies, without the need to consider the hundreds of atomic levels used in our complete model. Subject headings: atomic processes — cosmic microwave background — cosmology: theory — early universe
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
