Accurate application of Gaussian process regression for cosmology

  • Published : 2021.04.13

Abstract

Gaussian process regression (GPR) is a powerful method used for model-independent analysis of cosmological observations. In GPR, it is important to decide an input mean function and hyperparameters that affect the reconstruction results. Depending on how the input mean function and hyperparameters are determined in the literature, I divide into four main applications for GPR and compare their results. In particular, a zero mean function is commonly used as an input mean function, which may be inappropriate for reconstructing cosmological observations such as the distance modulus. Using mock data based on Pantheon compilation of type Ia supernovae, I will point out the problem of using a zero input and suggest a new way to deal with the input mean function.

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