In this paper we derive the probability of the radial profiles of spherically symmetric inhomogeneities in order to provide an improved estimation of the number density of primordial black holes (PBHs). We demonstrate that the probability of PBH form
ation depends sensitively on the radial profile of the initial configuration. We do this by characterising this profile with two parameters chosen heuristically: the amplitude of the inhomogeneity and the second radial derivative, both evaluated at the centre of the configuration. We calculate the joint probability of initial cosmological inhomogeneities as a function of these two parameters and then find a correspondence between these parameters and those used in numerical computations of PBH formation. Finally, we extend our heuristic study to evaluate the probability of PBH formation taking into account for the first time the radial profile of curvature inhomogeneities.
This paper explores the consequences of non-Gaussian cosmological perturbations for the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs). A non-Gaussian probability distribution function (PDF) of curvature perturbations is presented with an explicit contri
bution from the three-point correlation function to linear order. The consequences of this non-Gaussian PDF for the large perturbations that form PBHs are then studied. Using the observational limits for the non-Gaussian parameter $f_{NL}$, new bounds to the mean amplitude of curvature perturbations are derived in the range of scales relevant for PBH formation.
