Cosmological Parameter Estimation from the CMB

Abstract

We discuss the problems of applying Maximum Likelihood methods to the CMB and how one can make it both efficient and optimal. The solution is a generalised eigenvalue problem that allows virtually no loss of information about the parameter being estimated, but can allow a substantial compression of the data set. We discuss the more difficult question of simultaneous estimation of many parameters, and propose solutions. A much fuller account of most of this work is available (Tegmark, Taylor & Heavens 1997)