A Fresh Look at CMB Polarization: Last Scattering

In this paper, we consider the development of last scattering polarization from the point of view of our new model of structure formation. It has long been accepted that the CMB polarization on a 1° scale is a consequence of Thomson scattering at the tail-end of the epoch of recombination. We present a new simulation that confirms that idea, but we also show that the standard model, which is based on acoustic oscillations, of how this came about, is unworkable for several reasons in spite of its general acceptance. Our new model of structure formation argues that all structures came into existence at a time of about 10^-5 s and that they did so containing a high density of photons. These were initially trapped inside the structure by scattering, but later began to flow out of the structure with the onset of recombination, and it was this radial flow that created the asymmetric condition necessary for the development of the polarization. Our simulation shows that this radial flow acquired a high degree of polarization in the transverse direction which was then diluted by the background CMB radiation to yield the small degree of polarization detected by observers.