Phase Randomization and Doppler Peaks in the CMB Angular Power Spectrum

Abstract

Using the Boltzmann equation with a Langevin-like term describing the stochastic force in a baryon-photon plasma, we investigate the influence of the incoherent electron-photon scattering on the subhorizon evolution of the cosmic microwave radiation. The stochastic fluctuation caused by each collision on average is found to be small. Nevertheless, it leads to a significant Brownian drifting of the phase in the acoustic oscillation, and the coherent oscillations cannot be maintained during their dynamical evolution. As a consequence, the proposed Doppler peaks probably do not exist.