Improved estimation of cluster mass profiles from the cosmic microwave background

Details Improved estimation of cluster mass profiles from the cosmic microwave background Improved estimation of cluster mass profiles from the cosmic microwave background

2008-05-14

arxiv.org/abs/0805.2155v2

Phys.Rev.D78:083002,2008

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

16 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review D

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevD.78.083002

We develop a new method for reconstructing cluster mass profiles and large-scale structure from the cosmic microwave background (CMB). By analyzing the likelihood of CMB lensing, we analytically prove that standard quadratic estimators for CMB lensing are unbiased and achieve the optimal condition only in the limit of no lensing; they become progressively biased and sub-optimal, when the lensing effect is large, especially for clusters that can be found by ongoing Sunyaev-Zel'dovich surveys. Adopting an alternative approach to the CMB likelihood, we construct a new maximum likelihood estimator that utilizes delensed CMB temperature fields based on an assumed model. We analytically show that this estimator asymptotically approaches the optimal condition as our assumed model is refined, and we numerically show that our estimator quickly converges to the true model as we iteratively apply it to CMB maps. For realistic CMB experiments, we demonstrate the applicability of the maximum likelihood estimator with tests against numerical simulations in the presence of CMB secondary contaminants. With significant improvement on the signal-to-noise ratio, our new maximum likelihood estimator can be used to measure the cluster-mass cross-correlation functions at different redshifts, probing the evolution of dark energy.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Improved estimation of cluster mass profiles from the cosmic microwave background does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Improved estimation of cluster mass profiles from the cosmic microwave background, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Improved estimation of cluster mass profiles from the cosmic microwave background will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-508469