We analyze the primordial density perturbation when it is generated by a “curvaton” field different from the inflaton. In some cases this perturbation may have large isocurvature components, fully correlated or anticorrelated with the adiabatic component. It may also have a significant non-Gaussian component. All of these effects are calculated in a form which will enable direct comparison with current and forthcoming observational data.
This paper explained how the curvaton scenario can generate a non-gaussian primordial perturbation which will probably be observable in the forseeable future. The standard scenario cannot produce non-gaussianity at this level, therefore we have an almost certain way of distinguishing between the scenarios. 179 citations (SPIRES). RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : Physics