Can primordial magnetic fields be the origin of the BICEP2 data?

Understand

If the B-mode signal in the CMB polarization seen by the BICEP2 experiment is confirmed, it has dramatic implications for models of inflation.

• The result is also in tension with Planck limits on standard inflationary models.
• It is therefore important to investigate whether this signal can arise from alternative sources.
• If so, this could lessen the pressure on inflationary models and the tension with Planck data.