Search

Current measurements of the spectral energy distribution in radio, X-and-gamma-ray provide a sufficiently wide basis for determining basic properties of energetic electrons and protons in the extended lobes of the radio galaxy Fornax A. Of particular interest is establishing observationally, for the first time, the level of contribution of energetic protons to the extended emission observed by the Fermi satellite. Two recent studies concluded that the observed gamma-ray emission is unlikely to result from Compton scattering of energetic electrons off the optical radiation field in the lobes, and therefore that the emission originates from decays of neutral pions produced in interactions of energetic protons with protons in the lobe plasma, implying an uncomfortably high proton energy density. However, our exact calculation of the emission by energetic electrons in the magnetized lobe plasma leads to the conclusion that all the observed emission can, in fact, be accounted for by energetic electrons scattering off the ambient optical radiation field, whose energy density (which, based on recent observations, is dominated by emission from the central galaxy NGC 1316) we calculate to be higher than previously estimated., Corrected typos; added reference; revised figure; result unchanged

Starburst galaxies and star-forming active galactic nuclei (AGN) are among the candidate sources thought to contribute appreciably to the extragalactic gamma-ray and neutrino backgrounds. NGC 1068 is the brightest of the star-forming galaxies found to emit gamma rays from 0.1 to 50 GeV. Precise measurements of the high-energy spectrum are crucial to study the particle accelerators and probe the dominant emission mechanisms. We have carried out 125 hours of observations of NGC 1068 with the MAGIC telescopes in order to search for gamma-ray emission in the very high energy band. We did not detect significant gamma-ray emission, and set upper limits at 95\% confidence level to the gamma-ray flux above 200 GeV f, 11 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal

The cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature, $T$, surely the most precisely measured cosmological parameter, has been inferred from {\it local} measurements of the blackbody spectrum to an exquisite precision of 1 part in $\sim 4700$. On the other hand, current precision allows inference of other basic cosmological parameters at the $\sim 1\%$ level from CMB power spectra, galaxy correlation and lensing, luminosity distance measurements of supernovae, as well as other cosmological probes. A basic consistency check of the standard cosmological model is an independent inference of $T$ at recombination. In this work we first use the recent Planck data, supplemented by either the first year data release of the dark energy survey (DES), baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) data, and the Pantheon SNIa catalog, to extract $T$ at the $\sim 1\%$ precision level. We then explore correlations between $T$, the Hubble parameter, $H_{0}$, and the global spatial curvature parameter, $\Omega_{k}$. Our parameter estimation indicates that imposing the local constraint from the SH0ES experiment on $H_{0}$ results in significant statistical preference for departure at recombination from the locally inferred $T$. However, only moderate evidence is found in this analysis for tension between local and cosmological estimates of $T$, if the local constraint on $H_{0}$ is relaxed. All other dataset combinations that include the CMB with either BAO, SNIa, or both, disfavor the addition of a new free temperature parameter even in the presence of the local constraint on $H_{0}$. Analysis limited to the Planck dataset suggests the temperature at recombination was higher than expected at recombination at the $\gtrsim 95\%$ confidence level if space is globally flat.

Recent analyses of the broad spectral energy distributions (SED) of extensive lobes of local radio-galaxies have confirmed the leptonic origin of their Fermi/LAT gamma-ray emission, significantly constraining the level of hadronic contribution. SED of distant (D > 125 Mpc) radio-galaxy lobes are currently limited to the radio and X-ray bands, hence give no information on the presence of non-thermal (NT) protons but are adequate to describe the properties of NT electrons. Modeling lobe radio and X-ray emission in 3C 98, Pictor A, DA 240, Cygnus A, 3C 326, and 3C 236, we fully determine the properties of intra-lobe NT electrons and estimate the level of the related gamma-ray emission from Compton scattering of the electrons off the superposed Cosmic Microwave Background, Extragalactic Background Light, and source-specific radiation fields., 8 pages, 4 figures; a few typos corrected; several missing references added

Radio and $\gamma$-ray measurements of large lobes of several radio galaxies provide adequate basis for determining whether emission in these widely separated spectral regions is largely by energetic electrons. This is very much of interest as there is of yet no unequivocal evidence for a significant energetic proton component to account for $\gamma$-ray emission by neutral pion decay. A quantitative assessment of the proton spectral distribution necessitates full accounting of the local and background radiation fields in the lobes; indeed, doing so in our recent analysis of the spectral energy distribution of the Fornax A lobes considerably weakened previous conclusions on the hadronic origin of the emission measured by the Fermi satellite. We present the results of similar analyses of the measured radio, X-ray and $\gamma$-ray emission from the lobes of Centaurus A, Centaurus B, and NGC 6251. The results indicate that the measured $\gamma$-ray emission from these lobes can be accounted for by Compton scattering of the radio-emitting electrons off the superposed radiation fields in the lobes; consequently, we set upper bounds on the energetic proton contents of the lobes., Comment: MNRAS, in press. 10 pages, 7 figures

Quantitative modeling of the spectro-spatial distributions of energetic electrons and protons in galactic halos is needed in order to determine their interactions with the local plasma and radiation fields, and also to estimate their residual spectral densities in intracluster and intergalactic environments. We develop a semi-analytic approach for calculating the particle distributions in the halo based on a detailed diffusion model for particle propagation from acceleration sites and interactions in the galactic disk. Important overall normalization of our models is based on results from detailed modeling in the Galactic disk with the GALPROP code. This provides the essential input for determining particle distributions in the outer disk, which are used as source terms for calculating the distributions in the extensive halo for a range of values of key parameters affecting energy losses and propagation mode. Our modeling approach is applied to the two edge-on star-forming galaxies NGC 4631 and NGC 4666, for which recent mapping of radio emission in the inner halo provides the required overall normalization. We predict the levels and spatial profiles of radio, X-ray, and gamma-ray emission in the halos of these galaxies. Our quantitative modeling enables us to estimate the total calorimetric efficiencies of electrons and protons in star-forming galaxies, and to predict their residual spectral distributions in the outer halo and intergalactic space., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures

We present results from {\gamma}-ray observations of the Coma cluster incorporating 6 years of Fermi-LAT data and the newly released {\emph{Pass 8}} event-level analysis. Our analysis of the region reveals low-significance residual structures within the virial radius of the cluster that are too faint for a detailed investigation with the current data. Using a likelihood approach that is free of assumptions on the spectral shape we derive upper limits on the {\gamma}-ray flux that is expected from energetic particle interactions in the cluster. We also consider a benchmark spatial and spectral template motivated by models in which the observed radio halo is mostly emission by secondary electrons. In this case, the median expected and observed upper limits for the flux above 100 MeV are $1.7\times10^{-9}\,\mathrm{ph\,cm^{-2}\,s^{-1}}$ and $5.2\times10^{-9}\,\mathrm{ph\,cm^{-2}\,s^{-1}}$ respectively (the latter corresponds to residual emission at the level of 1.8{\sigma}). These bounds are comparable to or higher than predicted levels of hadronic gamma-ray emission in cosmic-ray models with or without reacceleration of secondary electrons, although direct comparisons are sensitive to assumptions regarding the origin and propagation mode of cosmic rays and magnetic field properties. The minimal expected {\gamma}-ray flux from radio and star-forming galaxies within the Coma cluster is roughly an order of magnitude below the median sensitivity of our analysis., Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, 2 tables, minor revised version accepted for publication; corresponding authors: S. Zimmer, J. Conrad, O. Reimer & Y. Rephaeli

Nearby galaxy clusters can potentially induce sub-microkelvin polarization signals in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) at characteristic scales of a few arcminutes. We explore four such polarization signals induced in a rich nearby fiducial cluster and calculate the likelihood of their detection by a telescope project with capabilities such as those of the Simons Observatory (SO). In our feasibility analysis, we include instrumental noise, primordial CMB anisotropy, statistical thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) cluster signal, and point source confusion, assuming a few percent of the nominal telescope observation time of an SO-like project. Our analysis indicates that the thermal SZ intensity can be sensitively mapped in rich nearby clusters and that the kinematic SZ intensity can be measured with high statistical significance toward a fast moving nearby cluster. The detection of polarized SZ signals will be quite challenging but could still be feasible toward several very rich nearby clusters with very high SZ intensity. The polarized SZ signal from a sample of ~20 clusters can be statistically detected at S/N~3, if observed for several months., 11 pages, 4 figures

e-ASTROGAM (enhanced ASTROGAM) is a breakthrough Observatory space mission, with a detector composed by a Silicon tracker, a calorimeter, and an anticoincidence system, dedicated to the study of the non-thermal Universe in the photon energy range from 0.3 MeV to 3 GeV - the lower energy limit can be pushed to energies as low as 150 keV for the tracker, and to 30 keV for calorimetric detection. The mission is based on an advanced space-proven detector technology, with unprecedented sensitivity, angular and energy resolution, combined with polarimetric capability. Thanks to its performance in the MeV-GeV domain, substantially improving its predecessors, e-ASTROGAM will open a new window on the non-thermal Universe, making pioneering observations of the most powerful Galactic and extragalactic sources, elucidating the nature of their relativistic outflows and their effects on the surroundings. With a line sensitivity in the MeV energy range one to two orders of magnitude better than previous generation instruments, e-ASTROGAM will determine the origin of key isotopes fundamental for the understanding of supernova explosion and the chemical evolution of our Galaxy. The mission will provide unique data of significant interest to a broad astronomical community, complementary to powerful observatories such as LIGO-Virgo-GEO600-KAGRA, SKA, ALMA, E-ELT, TMT, LSST, JWST, Athena, CTA, IceCube, KM3NeT, and LISA.

Detection of high-energy γ-ray emission from the nearby starburst galaxies M 82 and NGC 253 establishes, for the first time, a direct link between leptonic and hadronic processes in an extragalactic non-AGN environment. We review the most relevant aspects of these processes and contrast theoretical predictions with available radio and γ-ray measurements in order to determine the particle spectral properties and energy densities in these galaxies.

If properly designed, terrestrial structures can passively cool themselves through radiative emission of heat to outer space. For the first time, we present a metal-dielectric photonic structure capable of radiative cooling in daytime outdoor conditions. The structure behaves as a broadband mirror for solar light, while simultaneously emitting strongly in the mid-IR within the atmospheric transparency window, achieving a net cooling power in excess of 100 W/m(2) at ambient temperature. This cooling persists in the presence of significant convective/conductive heat exchange and nonideal atmospheric conditions.

As energetic particles diffuse out of radio and star-forming galaxies (SFGs), their intracluster density builds up to a level that could account for a substantial part or all the emission from a radio halo. We calculate the particle time-dependent, spectro-spatial distributions from a solution of a diffusion equation with radio galaxies as sources of electrons, and SFGs as sources of both electrons and protons. Whereas strong radio galaxies are typically found in the cluster (e.g., Coma) core, the fraction of SFGs increases with distance from the cluster center. Scaling particle escape rates from their sources to the reasonably well determined Galactic rates, and for realistic gas density and magnetic field spatial profiles, we find that predicted spectra and spatial profiles of radio emission from primary and secondary electrons are roughly consistent with those deduced from current measurements of the Coma halo (after subtraction of emission from the relic Coma A). Nonthermal X-ray emission is predicted to be mostly by Compton scattering of electrons from radio galaxies off the CMB, whereas $\gamma$-ray emission is primarily from the decay of neutral pions produced in interactions of protons from SFGs with protons in intracluster gas., Comment: 6 pages; Rapid Communication, Physical Review D

Statistical measures of galaxy clusters are sensitive to neutrino masses in the sub-eV range. We explore the possibility of using cluster number counts from the ongoing Planck/SunyaevZel'dovich (SZ) and future cosmic-variance-limited surveys to constrain neutrino masses from cosmic microwave background (CMB) data alone. The precision with which the total neutrino mass can be determined from SZ number counts is limited mostly by uncertainties in the cluster mass function and intracluster gas evolution; these are explicitly accounted for in our analysis. We find that projected results from the Planck/SZ survey can be used to determine the total neutrino mass with a (1σ) uncertainty of 0.06 eV, assuming that it is in the range 0.1 - 0.3 eV, and the survey detection limit is set at the 5σ significance level. Our results constitute a significant improvement on the limits expected from Planck/CMB lensing measurements, 0.15 eV. Based on expected results from the future cosmic-variance-limited (CVL) SZ survey we predict a 1σ uncertainty of 0.04 eV, a level comparable to that expected when CMB lensing extraction is carried out with the same experiment. A few per cent uncertainty in the mass function parameters could result in up to a factor of ∼2–3 degradation of our Planck and CVL forecasts. Our analysis shows that cluster number counts provide a viable complementary cosmological probe to CMB lensing constraints on the total neutrino mass.

We have recently developed an extended merger-tree model that efficiently follows hierarchical evolution of galaxy clusters and provides a quantitative description of both their dark matter and gas properties. We employed this diagnostic tool to calculate the thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich power spectrum and cluster number counts, accounting explicitly for uncertainties in the relevant statistical and intrinsic cluster properties, such as the halo mass function and the gas equation of state. Results of these calculations are compared with those obtained from a direct analytic treatment and from hydrodynamical simulations. We show that under certain assumptions on the gas mass fraction our results are consistent with the latest South Pole Telescope measurement. Our approach can be particularly useful in predicting cluster number counts and their dependence on cluster and cosmological parameters.

Extensive surveys of galaxy clusters motivate us to assess the likelihood of cluster-cluster lensing (CCL), namely, gravitational-lensing of a background cluster by a foreground cluster. We briefly describe the characteristics of CCLs in optical, X-ray and SZ measurements, and calculate their predicted numbers for $\Lambda$CDM parameters and a viable range of cluster mass functions and their uncertainties. The predicted number of CCLs in the strong-lensing regime varies from several ($

Clusters of galaxies are uniquely important cosmological probes of the evolution of the large scale structure, whose diagnostic power depends quite significantly on the ability to reliably determine their masses. Clusters are typically modeled as spherical systems whose intracluster gas is in strict hydrostatic equilibrium (i.e., the equilibrium gas pressure is provided entirely by thermal pressure), with the gravitational field dominated by dark matter, assumptions that are only rough approximations. In fact, numerical simulations indicate that galaxy clusters are typically triaxial, rather than spherical, and that turbulent gas motions (induced during hierarchical merger events) provide an appreciable pressure component. Extending our previous work, we present results of a joint analysis of X-ray, weak and strong lensing measurements of Abell 1689. The quality of the data allows us to determine both the triaxial shape of the cluster and the level of non-thermal pressure that is required if the intracluster gas is in hydrostatic equilibrium. We find that the dark matter axis ratios are 1.24 +/- 0.13 and 2.02 +/- 0.01 on the plane of the sky and along the line of sight, respectively, and that about 20% of the pressure is non-thermal. Our treatment demonstrates that the dynamical properties of clusters can be determined in a (mostly) bias-free way, enhancing the use of clusters as more precise cosmological probes.

We present a strong-lensing analysis of the galaxy cluster MS 1358.4+6245 ($z=0.33$), in deep 6-band ACS/HST imaging. In addition to the well-studied system at $z=4.92$, our modelling method uncovers 19 new multiply-lensed images so that a total of 23 images and their redshifts are used to accurately constrain the inner mass distribution. We derive a relatively shallow inner mass profile, $d\log \Sigma/d\log r\simeq -0.33 \pm0.05$ ($r

The growth of structure in the Universe begins at the time of radiation–matter equality, which corresponds to energy scales of ∼0.4 eV. All tracers of dark matter evolution are expected to be sensitive to neutrino masses on this and smaller scales. Here we explore the possibility of using cluster number counts and power spectrum obtained from ongoing Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) surveys to constrain neutrino masses. Specifically, we forecast the capability of ongoing measurements with the Planck satellite and the ground-based South Pole Telescope (SPT) experiment, as well as measurements with the proposedEpic satellite, to set interesting bounds on neutrino masses from their respective SZ surveys. We also consider an Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT)-like cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiment that covers only a few hundred deg 2 also to explore the trade-off between the survey area and sensitivity and what effect this may have on inferred neutrino masses. We find that for such an experiment a shallow survey is preferable over a deep and low-noise scanning scheme. The precision with which the total neutrino mass can be determined from SZ number counts and power spectrum is limited mostly by uncertainties in the basic cosmological parameters, the mass function of clusters and their mean gas mass fraction; all these are explicitly accounted for in our statistical Fisher matrix treatment. We find that projected results from the Planck SZ survey can, in principle, be used to determine the total neutrino mass with a (1σ ) uncertainty of 0.28 eV, if the detection limit of a cluster is set at the 5σ significance level. This is twice as large as the limits expected from Planck CMB lensing measurements. The corresponding limits from the SPT and Epic surveys are ∼0.44 and ∼0.12 eV, respectively. Mapping an area of 200 deg 2 , ACT measurements are predicted to attain a 1σ uncertainty of 0.61 eV; expanding the observed area to 4000 deg 2 will decrease the uncertainty to 0.36 eV.

We model the formation and evolution of galaxy clusters in the framework of an extended dark matter halo merger-tree algorithm that includes baryons and incorporates basic physical considerations. Our modified treatment is employed to calculate the probability density functions of the halo concentration parameter, intracluster gas temperature, and the integrated Comptonization parameter for different cluster masses and observation redshifts. Scaling relations between cluster mass and these observables are deduced that are somewhat different than previous results. Modeling uncertainties in the predicted probability density functions are estimated. Our treatment and the insight gained from the results presented in this paper can simplify the comparison of theoretical predictions with results from ongoing and future cluster surveys.

The inner mass-profile of the relaxed cluster Abell 1703 is analysed by two very different strong-lensing techniques applied to deep ACS and WFC3 imaging. Our parametric method has the accuracy required to reproduce the many sets of multiple images, based on the assumption that mass approximately traces light. We test this assumption with a fully non-parametric, adaptive grid method, with no knowledge of the galaxy distribution. Differences between the methods are seen on fine scales due to member galaxies which must be included in models designed to search for lensed images, but on the larger scale the general distribution of dark matter is in good agreement, with very similar radial mass profiles. We add undiluted weak-lensing measurements from deep multi-colour Subaru imaging to obtain a fully model-independent mass profile out to the virial radius and beyond. Consistency is found in the region of overlap between the weak and strong lensing, and the full mass profile is well-described by an NFW model of a concentration parameter, $c_{\rm vir}\simeq 7.15\pm0.5$ (and $M_{vir}\simeq 1.22\pm0.15 \times 10^{15}M_{\odot}/h$). Abell 1703 lies above the standard $c$--$M$ relation predicted for the standard $\Lambda$CDM model, similar to other massive relaxed clusters with accurately determined lensing-based profiles.

We present results from $\gamma$-ray observations of the Coma cluster incorporating six years of Fermi-LAT data and the newly released "Pass 8" event-level analysis. Our analysis of the region reveals low-significance residual structures within the virial radius of the cluster that are too faint for a detailed investigation with the current data. Using a likelihood approach that is free of assumptions on the spectral shape we derive upper limits on the $\gamma$-ray flux that is expected from energetic particle interactions in the cluster. We also consider a benchmark spatial and spectral template motivated by models in which the observed radio halo is mostly emission by secondary electrons. In this case, the median expected and observed upper limits for the flux above 100 $\mathrm{MeV}$ are 1.7 × $10^{−9} ph$ $cm^{−2} s^{−1}$ and 5.2 × $10^{−9} ph$ $cm^{−2} s^{−1}$ respectively (the latter corresponds to residual emission at the level of 1.8$\sigma$). These bounds are comparable to or higher than predicted levels of hadronic gamma-ray emission in cosmic-ray (CR) models with or without reacceleration of secondary electrons, although direct comparisons are sensitive to assumptions regarding the origin and propagation mode of CRs and magnetic field properties. The minimal expected $\gamma$-ray flux from radio and star-forming galaxies within the Coma cluster is roughly an order of magnitude below the median sensitivity of our analysis.

We present our recently developed {\em galcon} approach to hydrodynamical cosmological simulations of galaxy clusters - a subgrid model added to the {\em Enzo} adaptive mesh refinement code - which is capable of tracking galaxies within the cluster potential and following the feedback of their main baryonic processes. Galcons are physically extended galactic constructs within which baryonic processes are modeled analytically. By identifying galaxy halos and initializing galcons at high redshift ($z \sim 3$, well before most clusters virialize), we are able to follow the evolution of star formation, galactic winds, and ram-pressure stripping of interstellar media, along with their associated mass, metals and energy feedback into intracluster (IC) gas, which are deposited through a well-resolved spherical interface layer. Our approach is fully described and all results from initial simulations with the enhanced {\em Enzo-Galcon} code are presented. With a galactic star formation rate derived from the observed cosmic star formation density, our galcon simulation better reproduces the observed properties of IC gas, including the density, temperature, metallicity, and entropy profiles. By following the impact of a large number of galaxies on IC gas we explicitly demonstrate the advantages of this approach in producing a lower stellar fraction, a larger gas core radius, an isothermal temperature profile in the central cluster region, and a flatter metallicity gradient than in a standard simulation.

Cosmic-ray energy densities in central regions of starburst galaxies, as inferred from radio and gamma-ray measurements of, respectively, non-thermal synchrotron and neutral pion decay emission, are typically U_p = O(100)eV/cm3, i.e. typically at least an order of magnitude larger than near the Galactic center and in other non-very-actively star-forming galaxies. We first show that these very different energy-density levels reflect a similar disparity in the respective supernova rates in the two environments, which is not unexpected given the supernova origin of (Galactic) energetic particles. As a consequence of this correspondence, we then demonstrate that there is partial quantitative evidence that the stellar initial mass function (IMF) in starburst nuclei has a low-mass truncation at ~2M_sun, as predicted by theoretical models of turbulent media, in contrast with the much smaller value of 0.1M_sun that characterizes the low-mass cutoff of the stellar IMF in `normal' galactic environments.

We identify 13 sets of multiply-lensed galaxies around MACS J0717.5+3745 ($z=0.546$), outlining a very large tangential critical curve of major axis $\sim2.8\arcmin$, filling the field of HST/ACS. The equivalent circular Einstein radius is $\theta_{e}= 55 \pm 3\arcsec$ (at an estimated source redshift of $z_{s}\sim2.5$), corresponding to $r_e\simeq 350\pm 20 kpc$ at the cluster redshift, nearly three times greater than that of A1689 ($r_e\simeq 140 kpc$ for $z_{s}=2.5$). The mass enclosed by this critical curve is very large, $7.4\pm 0.5 \times 10^{14}M_{\odot}$ and only weakly model dependent, with a relatively shallow mass profile within $r10\times$, is $\simeq 3.5\sq\arcmin$ for sources with $z\simeq 8$, making MACS J0717.5+3745 a compelling target for accessing faint objects at high redshift. We calculate that only one such cluster, with $\theta_{e}\ge 55\arcsec$, is predicted within $\sim 10^7$ Universes with $z\ge 0.55$, corresponding to a virial mass $\ge 3\times 10^{15} M_{\odot}$, for the standard $\Lambda CDM$ (WMAP5 parameters with $2\sigma$ uncertainties)., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, accepted to the ApJ Letters; title modified; minor changes

Spurred by the improved measurement sensitivity in the very-high-energy (VHE: ≥100 GeV) γ-ray band, we assess the feasibility of detection of the nearby starburst galaxy M 82. VHE emission is expected to be predominantly from the decay of neutral pions which are produced in energetic proton interactions with ambient protons. An estimate of VHE emission from this process is obtained by an approximate, semi-quantitative calculation, and also by a detailed numerical treatment based on a convection-diffusion model for energetic electron and proton propagation and energy losses. All relevant hadronic and leptonic processes are considered, gauged by the measured synchrotron radio emission from the inner disk region. We estimate an integrated flux f (≥100 GeV) ∼ 2 × 10 −12 cm −2 s −1 , possibly detectable by the current northern-hemisphere imaging air Cherenkov telescopes, MAGIC and VERITAS, and a good candidate for detection with the upcoming MAGIC II telescope. We also estimate f (≥100 MeV) ∼ 10 −8 cm −2 s −1 ,al evel of emission that can be detected by GLAST/LAT based on the projected sensitivity for a one-year observation.

We carry out a comprehensive joint analysis of high quality HST/ACS and Chandra measurements of A1689, from which we derive mass, temperature, X-ray emission and abundance profiles. The X-ray emission is smooth and symmetric, and the lensing mass is centrally concentrated indicating a relaxed cluster. Assuming hydrostatic equilibrium we deduce a 3D mass profile that agrees simultaneously with both the lensing and X-ray measurements. However, the projected temperature profile predicted with this 3D mass profile exceeds the observed temperature by ~30% at all radii, a level of discrepancy comparable to the level found for other relaxed clusters. This result may support recent suggestions from hydrodynamical simulations that denser, more X-ray luminous small-scale structure can bias observed temperature measurements downward at about the same (~30%) level. We determine the gas entropy at 0.1r_{vir} (where r_{vir} is the virial radius) to be ~800 keV cm^2, as expected for a high temperature cluster, but its profile at >0.1r_{vir} has a power-law form with index ~0.8, considerably shallower than the ~1.1 index advocated by theoretical studies and simulations. Moreover, if a constant entropy ''floor'' exists at all, then it is within a small region in the inner core, r, 18 pages, 20 figures, 7 tables, accepted for publication in MNRAS, minor changes to match published version

Recent observations of high energy (> 20 keV) X-ray emission in a few clusters of galaxies broaden our knowledge of physical phenomena in the intracluster space. This emission is likely to be nonthermal, probably resulting from Compton scattering of relativistic electrons by the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation. Direct evidence for the presence of relativistic electrons in some 50 clusters comes from measurements of extended radio emission in their central regions. We briefly review the main results from observations of extended regions of radio emission, and Faraday rotation measurements of background and cluster radio sources. The main focus of the review are searches for nonthermal X-ray emission conducted with past and currently operating satellites, which yielded appreciable evidence for nonthermal emission components in the spectra of a few clusters. This evidence is clearly not unequivocal, due to substantial observational and systematic uncertainties, in addition to virtually complete lack of spatial information. If indeed the emission has its origin in Compton scattering of relativistic electrons by the CMB, then the mean magnetic field strength and density of relativistic electrons in the cluster can be directly determined. Knowledge of these basic nonthermal quantities is valuable for the detailed description of processes in intracluster gas and for the origin of magnetic fields., 23 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in Space Science Reviews, special issue "Clusters of galaxies: beyond the thermal view", Editor J.S. Kaastra, Chapter 5; work done by an international team at the International Space Science Institute (ISSI), Bern, organised by J.S. Kaastra, A.M. Bykov, S. Schindler & J.A.M. Bleeker

In the standard Lambda CDM cosmological model with a Gaussian primordial density fluctuation field, the relatively low value of the mass variance parameter (sigma_8=0.74{+0.05}{-0.06}, obtained from the WMAP 3-year data) results in a reduced likelihood that the measured level of CMB anisotropy on the scales of clusters is due to the Sunyaev-Zeldovich (S-Z) effect. To assess the feasibility of producing higher levels of S-Z power, we explore two alternative models which predict higher cluster abundance. In the first model the primordial density field has a chi^2_1 distribution, whereas in the second an early dark energy component gives rise to the desired higher cluster abundance. We carry out the necessary detailed calculations of the levels of S-Z power spectra, cluster number counts, and angular 2-point correlation function of clusters, and compare (in a self-consistent way) their predicted redshift distributions. Our results provide a sufficient basis upon which the viability of the three models may be tested by future high quality measurements.

Two little explored aspects of Compton scattering of the CMB in clusters are discussed: The statistical properties of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich (S-Z) effect in the context of a non-Gaussian density fluctuation field, and the polarization patterns in a hydrodynamcially-simulated cluster. We have calculated and compared the power spectrum and cluster number counts predicted within the framework of two density fields that yield different cluster mass functions at high redshifts. This is done for the usual Press & Schechter mass function, which is based on a Gaussian density fluctuation field, and for a mass function based on a chi^2-distributed density field. We quantify the significant differences in the respective integrated S-Z observables in these two models. S-Z polarization levels and patterns strongly depend on the non-uniform distributions of intracluster gas and on peculiar and internal velocities. We have therefore calculated the patterns of two polarization components that are produced when the CMB is doubly scattered in a simulated cluster. These are found to be very different than the patterns calculated based on spherical clusters with uniform structure and simplified gas distribution., 22 pages, 25 figures, Proceedings of the Francesco Melchiorri memorial conference, New Astronomy Reviews, in press

arXiv:1302.3474v1.-- et al., In this paper, we focus on the astrophysical results and the related cosmological implications derived from recent microwave surveys, with emphasis to those coming from the Planck mission. We critically discuss the impact of systematic effects and the role of methods to separate the cosmic microwave background (CMB) signal from the astrophysical emissions and each different astrophysical component from the others. We then review the state-of-the-art diffuse emissions, extragalactic sources, cosmic infrared background and galaxy clusters, addressing the information they provide to our global view of the cosmic structure evolution and for some crucial physical parameters, as the neutrino mass. Finally, we present three different kinds of scientific perspectives for fundamental physics and cosmology offered by the analysis of on-going and future CMB projects at different angular scales dedicated to anisotropies in total intensity and polarization and to absolute temperature. © 2013 World Scientific Publishing Company., CB, MM, AM, PN acknowledge support by ASI through ASI/INAF Agreement I/072/09/0 for the Planck LFI Activity of Phase E2 and by MIUR through PRIN 2009 grant n. 2009XZ54H2. EP acknowledges the support of ANR project Multiverse under grant ANR-11-BD56-015. LT acknowledges partial financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, under proyects AYA2010-21766-C03-01, AYA2012-39475-C02-01 and by the Consolider Ingenio-2010 Programme, project CSD2010-00064.

The expected sensitivity of cluster SZ number counts to neutrino mass in the sub-eV range is assessed. We find that from the ongoing {\it Planck}/SZ measurements the (total) neutrino mass can be determined at a (1-sigma) precision of 0.06 eV, if the mass is in the range 0.1-0.3 eV, and the survey detection limit is set at the 5-sigma significance level. The mass uncertainty is predicted to be lower by a factor ~2/3, if a similar survey is conducted by a cosmic-variance-limited experiment, a level comparable to that projected if CMB lensing extraction is accomplished with the same experiment. At present, the main uncertainty in modeling cluster statistical measures reflects the difficulty in determining the mass function at the high-mass end., 8 pages, Proceedings of the 13th Marcel Grossmann Meeting

A basic quantity in the characterization of relativistic particles is the proton-to-electron (p/e) energy density ratio. We derive a simple approximate expression suitable to estimate this quantity, U_p/U_e = (m_p/m_e)^(3-q)/2, valid when a nonthermal `gas' of these particles is electrically neutral and the particles' power-law spectral indices are equal -- e.g., at injection. This relation partners the well-known p/e number density ratio at 1 GeV, i.e. N_p/N_e = (m_p/m_e)^{(q-1)/2}., Comment: 4 pages; to be published in Proc. of MGM13 (13th Marcel Grossmann Meeting -- Stockholm July 1-7, 2012)

Young galactic X-ray point sources (XPs) closely trace the ongoing star formation in galaxies. From measured XP number counts we extract the collective 2-10 keV luminosity of young XPs, L_yXP, which we use to gauge the current star-formation rate (SFR) in galaxies. We find that, for a sample of local star-forming galaxies (i.e., normal spirals and mild starbursts), L_yXP correlates linearly with the SFR over three decades in luminosity. A separate, high-SFR sample of starburst ULIRGs can be used to check the calibration of the relation. Using their (presumably SF-related) total 2-10 keV luminosities we find that these sources satisfy the SFR-L_yXP relation, as defined by the weaker sample, and extend it to span about 5 decades in luminosity. The SFR-L_yXP relation is likely to hold also for distant Hubble Deep Field North galaxies, especially so if these high-SFR objects are similar to the (more nearby) ULIRGs. It is argued that the SFR-L_yXP relation provides the most adequate X-ray estimator of instantaneous SFR by the phenomena characterizing massive stars from their birth (FIR emission from placental dust clouds) through their death as compact remnants (emitting X-rays by accreting from a close donor). For local, low/intermediate-SFR galaxies, the simultaneous existence of a correlation of the instantaneous SFR with the total 2-10 keV luminosity, which traces the SFR integrated over (approximately) the last Gyr, suggests that during such epoch the SF in these galaxies has been proceeding at a relatively constant rate., Comment: A&A, in press (15 pages, 8 figures)

Scattering of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) in clusters of galaxies polarizes the radiation. We explore several polarization components which have their origin in the kinematic quadrupole moments induced by the motion of the scattering electrons, either directed or random. Polarization levels and patterns are determined in a cluster simulated by the hydrodynamical Enzo code. We find that polarization signals can be as high as $\sim 1 \mu$K, a level that may be detectable by upcoming CMB experiments.

The temperature and density of the hot diffuse medium pervading galaxy groups and clusters combine into one significant quantity, the entropy. Here we express the entropy levels and profiles in model-independent forms by joining two observables, the X-ray luminosity and the change in the CMB intensity due to the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect. Thus we present both global scaling relations for the entropy levels from clusters and groups, and a simple expression yielding the entropy profiles in individual clusters from resolved X-ray surface brightness and SZ spatial distributions. We propose that our approach provides two useful tools for comparing large data samples with models, in order to probe the processes that govern the thermal state of the hot intracluster medium. The feasibility of using such a diagnostic for the entropy is quantitatively assessed, based on current X-ray and upcoming SZ measurements., 9 pages, 2 figures, uses REVTeX4 + emulateapj.cls and apjfonts.sty. Accepted by ApJ

X-ray background surveys indicate the likely presence of diffuse warm gas in the Local Super Cluster (LSC), in accord with expectations from hydrodynamical simulations. We assess several other manifestations of warm LSC gas; these include anisotropy in the spatial pattern of cluster Sunyaev-Zeldovich (S-Z) counts, its impact on the CMB temperature power spectrum at the lowest multipoles, and implications on measurements of the S-Z effect in and around the Virgo cluster., Comment: 14 pages, 6 figures, draft version

We show how to calculate the first- and second-order statistics of the scattered fields for an arbitrary intensity coherent state light field interacting with a two-level system in a waveguide geometry. Specifically, we calculate the resonance fluorescence from the qubit, using input-output formalism. We derive the transmission and reflection coefficients, and illustrate the bunching and anti-bunching of light that is scattered in the forward and backward directions, respectively. Our results agree with previous calculations on one- and two-photon scattering as well as those that are based on the master equation approach., 8 pages, 3 figures and supplementary material (Mathematica code). This is the published version: typos are fixed, conclusion section is expanded, references are updated

The strong dependence of the mass variance parameter, σ8, on the adopted cluster mass–temperature relation is explored. A recently compiled X-ray cluster catalog and various mass–temperature relations are used to derive the corresponding values of σ8. Calculations of the power spectrum of the CMB anisotropy induced by the Sunyaev–Zeldovich effect and cluster number counts are carried out in order to assess the need for a consistent choice of the mass–temperature scaling and the parameter σ8. We find that the consequences of inconsistent choice of the mass–temperature relation and σ8 could be quite substantial, including a considerable mis-estimation of the magnitude of the power spectrum and cluster number counts. Our results can partly explain the large scatter between published estimates of the power spectrum and number counts. We also show that the range of values of the power-law index in the scaling Cl∼σ86−7 deduced in previous studies is likely overestimated; we obtain a more moderate dependence, Cl∼σ84.

X-ray emission from the cluster of galaxies A3667 was measured by the PCA and HEXTE experiments aboard the RXTE satellite during the period December 2001 - July 2002. Analysis of the ~141 ks RXTE observation and lower energy ASCA/GIS data, yields only marginalevidence for a secondary power-law emission component in the spectrum. The 90% confidence upper limit on nonthermal emission in the 15-35 keV band is determined to be 2.6x10^{-12} erg/(cm^{2}s). When combined with the measured radio flux and spectral index of the dominant region of extended radio emission, this upper limit implies a lower limit of ~0.4 microgauss on the mean, volume-averaged intracluster magnetic field in A3667.

The cluster of galaxies A2256 was observed by the PCA and HEXTE experiments aboard the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer satellite during the period 2001 July-2002 January, for a total of ~343 and ~88 ks, respectively. Most of the emission is thermal, but the data analysis yields evidence for two components in the spectrum. On the basis of statistical likelihood alone, the secondary component can be either thermal or power law. Inclusion in the analysis of data from ASCA measurements leads to a more definite need for a second component. Joint analysis of the combined RXTE+ASCA data sets yields kT1 = 7.9 keV and kT2 = 1.5 keV, when the second component is also thermal, and kT = 7.7 keV and α = 2.2, if the second component is fitted by a power law with (photon) index α; all errors are at 90% confidence. Given the observed extended regions of radio emission in A2256, it is reasonable to interpret the deduced power-law secondary emission as due to Compton scattering of the radio-producing relativistic electrons by the cosmic microwave background radiation. If so, then the effective, mean volume-averaged value of the magnetic field in the central 1° region of the cluster—which contains both the "halo" and "relic" radio sources—is B ~ 0.2 μG.

Integrated X-ray spectra of an evolving population of starburst galaxies (SBGs) are determined based on the observed spectra of local SBGs. In addition to emission from hot gas and binary systems, our model SBG spectrum includes a nonthermal component from Compton scattering of relativistic electrons by the intense ambient far-IR and the (steeply evolving) CMB radiation fields. We use these integrated spectra to calculate the levels of contribution of SBGs to the cosmic X-ray background assuming that their density evolves as (1+z)^q up to a maximal redshift of 5. We find that at energies, 10 pages, 5 figures; accepted for publication in A&A

Use of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect as a precise cosmological probe necessitates a realistic assessment of all possible contributions to Comptonization of the cosmic microwave background in clusters of galaxies. We have calculated the additional intensity change due to various possible populations of energetic electrons that have been proposed in order to account for measurements of intracluster radio, nonthermal X-ray, and (possibly also) EUV emission. Our properly normalized estimates of (the highly model-dependent value of) the predicted intensity change due to these electrons are well below ~6% and ~35% of the usual Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect as a result of electrons in the hot gas in Coma and A2199, respectively. These levels constitute high upper limits since they are based on energetic electron populations whose energy densities are comparable to those of the thermal gas. The main impact of nonthermal Comptonization is a shift of the crossover frequency (where the thermal effect vanishes) to higher values. Such a shift would have important consequences for our ability to measure cluster peculiar velocities from the kinematic component of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect.

The cluster of galaxies A2319 was observed in 1999 for ~160 ks by the PCA and HEXTE instruments aboard the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite. No noticeable variability is seen in the emission measured by either instrument over the ~8 week observation. The quality of the data allows, for the first time, a meaningful search for emission whose spectral properties are distinct from those of the primary thermal emission with (previously measured) mean temperature in the range 8-10 keV. Fitting the RXTE data by a single thermal component, we obtain kT = 8.6 ± 0.1 (all errors are 90% confidence limits), a low iron abundance ZFe ~ 0.16 ± 0.02, and large positive residuals below 6 keV and between 15 to 30 keV. The quality of the fit is drastically improved if a second component is added. A two-temperature model yields kT1 10.1 ± 0.6, kT2 2.8 ± 0.6, and of ZFe ~ 0.23 ± 0.03, which is consistent with previously measured values. An equally good fit is obtained by a combination of a primary thermal and a secondary nonthermal component with kT 8.9 ± 0.6 and a power-law (photon) index α 2.4 ± 0.3. We have repeated the analysis by performing joint fits to both these RXTE measurements and archival ASCA data. At most, 25% of the RXTE secondary component could be present in the ASCA data. Allowing for this difference, very similar results were obtained with only somewhat different values for the temperature (kT = 9.2 ± 0.5) and power-law index (α 2.5 ± 0.3) in the latter model. The deduced value of α is consistent with the measured spectrum of extended radio emission in A2319. Identifying the power-law emission as Compton scattering of the radio-emitting electrons by the cosmic microwave background (CMB), we obtain B ~ 0.1-0.3 μG for the volume-averaged magnetic field, and ~ 4 × 10-14(R/2 Mpc)-3 ergs cm-3 for the mean energy density of the emitting electrons in the central region (radius R) of A2319.

X-ray emission processes in starburst galaxies (SBGs) are assessed, with the aim of identifying and characterizing the main spectral components. Our survey of spectral properties, complemented with a model for the evolution of galactic stellar populations, leads to the prediction of a complex spectrum. Comparing the predicted spectral properties with current X-ray measurements of the nearby SBGs M82 and N253, we draw the following tentative conclusions: 1) X-ray binaries with accreting NS are the main contributors in the 2-15 keV band, and could be responsible for the yet uninterpreted hard component required to fit the observed 0.5-10 keV spectra of SBGs; 2) diffuse thermal plasma contributes at energies less than about 1 keV; 3) nonthermal emission, from Compton scattering of FIR and CMB radiation field photons off supernova-accelerated relativistic electrons, and AGN-like emission, are likely be the dominant emission at energies >30 keV; 4) supernova remnants make a relatively minor contribution to the X-ray continuum but may contribute appreciably to the Fe-K emission at 6.7 keV., 18 pages, 8 figures, A&A in press

The energy density of cosmic ray protons in star forming galaxies can be estimated from π 0 -decay γ -ray emission, synchrotron radio emission, and supernova rates. To galaxies for which these methods can be applied, the three methods yield consistent energy densities ranging from U p ~ 0.1 − 1 eV cm −3 to U p ~ 10 2 − 10 3 eV cm −3 in galaxies with low to high star-formation rates, respectively.

Cooling is a significant end-use of energy globally and a major driver of peak electricity demand. Air conditioning, for example, accounts for nearly fifteen per cent of the primary energy used by buildings in the United States. A passive cooling strategy that cools without any electricity input could therefore have a significant impact on global energy consumption. To achieve cooling one needs to be able to reach and maintain a temperature below that of the ambient air. At night, passive cooling below ambient air temperature has been demonstrated using a technique known as radiative cooling, in which a device exposed to the sky is used to radiate heat to outer space through a transparency window in the atmosphere between 8 and 13 micrometres. Peak cooling demand, however, occurs during the daytime. Daytime radiative cooling to a temperature below ambient of a surface under direct sunlight has not been achieved because sky access during the day results in heating of the radiative cooler by the Sun. Here, we experimentally demonstrate radiative cooling to nearly 5 degrees Celsius below the ambient air temperature under direct sunlight. Using a thermal photonic approach, we introduce an integrated photonic solar reflector and thermal emitter consisting of seven layers of HfO2 and SiO2 that reflects 97 per cent of incident sunlight while emitting strongly and selectively in the atmospheric transparency window. When exposed to direct sunlight exceeding 850 watts per square metre on a rooftop, the photonic radiative cooler cools to 4.9 degrees Celsius below ambient air temperature, and has a cooling power of 40.1 watts per square metre at ambient air temperature. These results demonstrate that a tailored, photonic approach can fundamentally enable new technological possibilities for energy efficiency. Further, the cold darkness of the Universe can be used as a renewable thermodynamic resource, even during the hottest hours of the day.

The mass fraction of hot gas in clusters is a basic quantity whose level and dependence on the cluster mass and redshift are intimately linked to all cluster X-ray and SZ measures. Modeling the evolution of the gas fraction is clearly a necessary ingredient in the description of the hierarchical growth of clusters through mergers of subclumps and mass accretion on the one hand, and the dispersal of gas from the cluster galaxies by tidal interactions, galactic winds, and ram pressure stripping on the other hand. A reasonably complete description of this evolution can only be given by very detailed hydrodynamical simulations, which are, however, resource-intensive, and difficult to implement in the mapping of parameter space. A much more practical approach is the use of semi-analytic modeling that can be easily implemented to explore a wide range of parameters. We present first results from a simple model that describes the build up of the gas mass fraction in clusters by following the overall impact of the above processes during the merger and accretion history of each cluster in the ensemble. Acceptable ranges for model parameters are deduced through comparison with results of X-ray observations. Basic implications of our work for modeling cluster statistical properties, and the use of these properties in joint cosmological data analyses, are discussed., Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, updated to match MNRAS accepted version

The Coma Cluster was observed in 1996 for 90 ks by the PCA and HEXTE instruments aboard the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite?the first simultaneous, pointing measurement of Coma in the broad, 2-250 keV energy band. The high sensitivity achieved during this long observation allows precise determination of the spectrum. Our analysis of the measurements clearly indicates that in addition to the main thermal emission from hot intracluster gas at kT 7.5 keV, a second spectral component is required to best fit the data. If thermal, this component has a temperature 4.7 keV, and it contributes 20% of the total flux. Alternatively, the second component can be a power law, likely due to Compton scattering of relativistic electrons by the cosmic microwave background. This interpretation is based on the measurements of diffuse radio emission and the similar values of the radio and X-ray spectral indices. A Compton origin of the nonthermal component would imply that the volume-averaged magnetic field in the central region of Coma is B 0.2 ?G, a value that is free of the usual assumption of energy equipartition. The energy density of the emitting electrons would then be ~8 ? 10-14 ergs cm-3. Barring the presence of unknown systematic errors in the RXTE source or background measurements, our spectral analysis yields considerable evidence for Compton X-ray emission in the Coma Cluster.