Observational foundations of modern cosmology -- Kinetics of electromagnetic radiation in a uniform universe -- The ionization history of the universe -- Primordial CMB and small perturbations of uniform cosmological model -- Primary anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background -- Primordial polarization of the cosmic microwave background -- Statistical properties of random fields of anisotropy and polarization in the CMB -- The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) -- The 'Planckian era' in the study of anisotropy and polarization of the CMB -- Conclusion
Summary
Taking a physical approach, the authors provide an up-to-date and accessible review of this fascinating and complex subject in light of observational breakthroughs made by the WMAP satellite. Highlighting recent progress and looking ahead to future experiments, this text will be valuable to advanced students and researchers in cosmology
