Structure formation constraints on the Jordan-Brans-Dicke theory

Abstract

We use cosmic microwave background data from WMAP, ACBAR, VSA and CBI, and galaxy power spectrum data from 2dF, to constrain flat cosmologies based on the Jordan-Brans-Dicke theory, using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach. Using a parametrization based on ξ=1/4ω, and performing an exploration in the range \lnξ\in [-9,3], we obtain a 95% marginalized probability bound of \lnξ< -6.2, corresponding to a 95% marginalized probability lower bound on the Brans-Dicke parameter ω>120.

6 pages, 5 figures, RevTeX. Updated to match version accepted by PRD. Significant updates. Headline constraint tightened to omega > 120 (95% conf) by improved statistical analysis