Probing inflationary features with galaxy ultraviolet luminosity function observables
Abstract
We use the galaxy ultraviolet luminosity function measurements at z=4-8 to constrain modification to standard inflationary power spectrum. These observables are sensitive to the matter power spectrum which itself depends on inflationary initial conditions. We consider a specific model where a bump feature is introduced to the standard power law inflation spectrum. We find that the galaxy luminosity observables can probe such modifications at wavenumbers 0.5 k 50 Mpc-1. We obtain upper limits on the amplitude of bump-like features at the mentioned wavenumbers. We obtain constraints which are similar to previous constraints on these models using measurements of optical depth of reionization. However, the galaxy luminosity functions are a more direct probe for these type of models and, therefore, can complement indirect constraints coming from measurements of IGM properties.