MAXIPOL: Data Analysis and Results

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Wu, J H P, Zuntz, J, Abroe, M E, Ade, P A R, Bock, J, Borrill, J, Collins, J, Hanany, S, Jaffe, A H, Johnson, B R, Jones, T, Lee, A T, Matsumura, T, Rabii, B, Renbarger, T, Richards, P L, Smoot, G F, Stompor, R, Tran, H T, Winant, C D
• Format: Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 26.01.2009
• Subjects: Bayesian analysis; Confidence intervals; Cosmic microwave background; Data analysis; Maximum likelihood estimates; Polarization; Power spectra; Statistical analysis; Stokes parameters; Systematic errors; Wave plates
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.0611392

We present results from and the analysis of data from MAXIPOL, a balloon-borne experiment designed to measure the polarization in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). MAXIPOL is the first CMB experiment to obtain results using a rotating half-wave plate as a rapid polarization modulator. We report results from observations of a sky area of 8 deg^2 with 10-arcmin resolution, providing information up to l~700. We use a maximum-likelihood method to estimate maps of the Q and U Stokes parameters from the demodulated time streams, and then both Bayesian and frequentist approaches to compute the EE, EB, and BB power spectra. Detailed formalisms of the analyses are given. A variety of tests show no evidence for systematic errors. The Bayesian analysis gives weak evidence for an EE signal. The EE power is 55^{+51}_{-45} \mu K^2 at the 68% confidence level for l=151-693. Its likelihood function is asymmetric and skewed positive such that with a uniform prior the probability of a positive EE power is 96%. The powers of EB and BB signals at the 68% confidence level are 18^{+27}_{-34} \mu K^2 and -31^{+31}_{-19} \mu K^2 respectively and thus consistent with zero. The upper limit of the BB-mode at the 95% confidence level is 9.5 \mu K. Results from the frequentist approach are in agreement within statistical errors. These results are consistent with the current concordance LCDM model.