An SZ/X-ray galaxy cluster model and the X-ray follow-up of the Planck clusters

TL;DR

This paper develops an empirical model linking SZ and X-ray observations of galaxy clusters to aid in planning and interpreting X-ray follow-up of SZ surveys like those from Planck.

Contribution

It introduces a new empirical model connecting SZ and X-ray observables to support follow-up strategies for upcoming cluster surveys.

Findings

Model effectively relates SZ and X-ray data

Guides X-ray follow-up of Planck clusters

Supports future cosmological studies

Abstract

Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) cluster surveys will become an important cosmological tool over next few years, and it will be essential to relate these new surveys to cluster surveys in other wavebands. We present an empirical model of cluster SZ and X-ray observables constructed to address this question and to motivate, dimension and guide X-ray follow-up of SZ surveys. As an example application of the model, we discuss potential XMM-Newton follow-up of Planck clusters.