Cosmology and Particle Physics seminar: Analytical Modeling of Counts-in-Cells Statistics

11.09.2026 11:50 – 12:50

We study the simplest non-perturbative statistic—the one-point probability distribution function (PDF) of the matter density averaged within spherical cells. The PDF contains information from all n-point correlation functions in a compressed way and is sensitive to rare statistical fluctuations, making it complementary to perturbative observables. In this talk, I review the modern analytical approach based on the path-integral formalism, which provides an accurate description of the non-perturbative one-point matter PDF. I will demonstrate, using both analytical arguments and simulations, that rigorous modeling of aspherical perturbations is essential for accurate theoretical predictions. I will then discuss the sensitivity of the PDF to the shape of the window function, using both simulations and perturbation theory. Because the PDF accesses information beyond what perturbative statistics capture, it offers a promising way to strengthen standard large-scale structure analyses.

Lieu

Bâtiment: Ecole de Physique

EP234

entrée libre