Eur. Phys. J. C (2011) 71: 1706
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-011-1706-2

Letter

Detecting relic gravitational waves in the CMB: A statistical bias

Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen University, Blegdamsvej 17, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark

^* e-mail: wzhao7@mail.ustc.edu.cn

Received: 21 April 2011
Revised: 28 June 2011
Published online: 26 July 2011

Abstract

Analyzing the imprint of relic gravitational waves (RGWs) on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectra provides a way to determine the signal of RGWs. In this Letter, we discuss a statistical bias, which could exist in the data analysis and has the tendency to overlook the RGWs. We also explain why this bias exists, and how to avoid it.