The V-mode polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background

Understand

The V-mode polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background is discussed in a weakly magnetized plasma.

• The VV and VT angular power spectra are computed for adiabatic initial conditions of the Einstein-Boltzmann hierarchy.
• Depending upon the frequency channel and upon the magnetic field intensity, the VT power spectra of the circular polarization can even be seven orders of magnitude larger than a putative B-mode polarization stemming from the lensing of the primary anisotropies.
• Specific programs aimed at the direct detection of the V-mode polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background could provide a new observational tool for the scrutiny of pre-decoupling physics.