In an instantaneous-transition approximation, match the superhorizon adiabatic CDM mode in radiation domination and its first derivative to the radiation-era logarithmic solution at . Its value is and its derivative is . The two matching equations give the displayed expression. Its coefficient two belongs to this approximation; a smooth radiation forcing through entry changes the constants while preserving the logarithmic CDM growth after radiation-era horizon entry scaling.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2007 iii Paper 62 5 a Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-14
During radiation domination, the cosmological continuity equation gives . The flat Friedmann equation in conformal time is . Hence is constant, and choosing the Big Bang at yieldsFor the CDM density equation in a matter-radiation universe, neglect while retaining itself. The adiabatic initial conditions give , soThis Euler-Cauchy equation has powers with , namely . Selecting the growing superhorizon adiabatic CDM mode in radiation domination gives
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2007 iii Paper 62 5 b Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-14
After cosmological horizon entry in radiation domination, the oscillating radiation source averages away. Neglecting both that source and CDM self-gravity in the CDM density equation in a matter-radiation universe givesso . The superhorizon adiabatic CDM mode in radiation domination has amplitude at entry , fixing this scale for the subsequent logarithmic CDM growth after radiation-era horizon entry.
More explicitly, in a sharp-transition approximation with , continuity of and givesThe matching the CDM growing mode at horizon entry therefore yields the late subhorizon scalingHere suppresses order-one coefficients and the nonlogarithmic term, as in the question. A smooth treatment of the radiation forcing through entry changes those coefficients; the factor two is exact only for the sharp matching model just used. This logarithmic growth, rather than growth proportional to , is the Mészáros effect.