PICO: Probe of Inflation and Cosmic Origins

Abstract: The Probe of Inflation and Cosmic Origins (PICO) is a proposed probe-scale space mission consisting of an imaging polarimeter operating in frequency bands between 20 and 800 GHz. We describe the science achievable by PICO, which has sensitivity equivalent to more than 3300 Planck missions, the technical implementation, the schedule and cost.

• The paper presents the PICO mission's main contribution by detailing how advanced detectors and instrumentation capture high-precision CMB data to probe cosmic structure and test ΛCDM.
• It outlines innovative methodologies using state-of-the-art polarimetry and noise reduction techniques to mitigate foregrounds and systematic errors in cosmic measurements.
• The mission's collaborative, international effort establishes legacy surveys that enhance our cosmological datasets and expand our understanding of the universe.

An Expert Overview of the PICO Mission Concept

The paper presents a comprehensive development and presentation of the PICO mission concept, a collaborative effort funded by NASA and supported by numerous international scientists. It outlines the scientific objectives, technological advancements, and management plans aimed at achieving new insights in cosmology through precise cosmic microwave background (CMB) observations. This planned mission seeks to address key scientific questions on the formation and evolution of cosmic structures, the parameters of the ΛCDM model, galactic structures, star formation, and systematic issues in cosmic surveys.

Key Science Goals

The scientific objectives of the PICO mission center around several core components:

1. Cosmic Structure Formation and Evolution: The mission aims to investigate the formation and evolution of cosmic structures by leveraging the detailed mapping of CMB anisotropies. This approach will enable researchers to trace the distribution of dark matter and understand the dynamics of galaxy formation and distribution over time.
2. Testing $\Lambda$CDM: As one of the pivotal models in cosmology, the ΛCDM model describes the universe's composition and expansion. PICO intends to provide high-precision measurements that could either confirm or challenge the assumptions of this model. Of particular interest are the parameters related to dark matter and dark energy, which govern the universe's large-scale structure and accelerated expansion.
3. Galactic Structure and Star Formation: The mission will also focus on mapping the galactic structure outlining star formation processes within the Milky Way and other galaxies. It intends to obtain new insights into the interaction of cosmic dust and magnetic fields, which play a crucial role in shaping the galactic environment.
4. Legacy Surveys: PICO is positioned to build on the legacy and results of previous missions by conducting extended surveys that enrich the existing data on the CMB. These legacy surveys will allow for cross-comparison and verification of datasets spanning decades, enhancing the robustness of the cosmological models.
5. Foregrounds and Systematics: The mission is designed to tackle the challenges presented by foreground emissions and systematic errors that have historically complicated CMB measurements. Developing advanced techniques for signal separation and systematic error control is emphasized to ensure the integrity and reliability of the collected data.

Technological and Organizational Strategies

To achieve these ambitious goals, PICO involves innovative technology drivers crucial to enhancing observational capabilities:

• Advanced Detector Systems: The mission leverages state-of-the-art detectors capable of capturing CMB signals with unprecedented clarity and accuracy. These systems are meticulously designed to minimize noise and amplify signal fidelity, crucial for producing reliable data on cosmic parameters.
• Precision Instrumentation: The mission's success hinges on its ability to precisely measure polarization and temperature fluctuations in the CMB. This requires cutting-edge instrumentation capable of observing these cosmic signals with the necessary sensitivity and resolution.
• Collaboration and Management: The paper outlines the collaborative framework involving contributions from various international institutions, emphasizing the organizational structure necessary to effectively manage the mission's complex logistical and scientific needs.

Conclusion and Future Implications

PICO offers a promising expansion of our understanding of the universe by delivering high-precision CMB data. The implications of this research span both theoretical and practical realms, potentially revising our grasp of cosmological theories and informing the next generation of cosmic survey projects. The mission's advancements in detecting and mitigating systematic errors and foreground contamination set a precedent for future astronomical observations.

The impact of PICO is anticipated to be far-reaching, affecting not only cosmology but potentially also informing fields such as astrophysics and planetary science. Future developments in AI and machine learning algorithms could further enhance the data analysis processes of PICO and subsequent missions, offering deeper insights into the data collected from the cosmos. Overall, the PICO mission is a step forward in the collective astronomical endeavor to decode the universe's origins and evolution.