Non thermal emission from clusters of galaxies: the importance of a joint LOFAR/Simbol-X view

TL;DR

This paper discusses the significance of combining LOFAR and Simbol-X observations to better understand the non-thermal emission in galaxy clusters, which impacts cluster evolution and large-scale structure formation.

Contribution

It emphasizes the importance of joint radio and X-ray observations for advancing knowledge of non-thermal phenomena in galaxy clusters.

Findings

Radio halos and relics indicate relativistic electrons and magnetic fields in clusters.

Combining LOFAR and Simbol-X enhances understanding of non-thermal components.

Statistical studies can test cluster formation models.

Abstract

Deep radio observations of galaxy clusters have revealed the existence of diffuse radio sources ("halos" and "relics") related to the presence of relativistic electrons and weak magnetic fields in the intracluster volume. I will outline our current knowledge about the presence and properties of this non-thermal cluster component. Despite the recent progress made in observational and theoretical studies of the non-thermal emission in galaxy clusters, a number of open questions about its origin and its effects on the thermo-dynamical evolution of galaxy clusters need to be answered. I will show the importance of combining galaxy cluster observations by new-generation instruments such as LOFAR and Simbol-X. A deeper knowledge of the non-thermal cluster component, together with statistical studies of radio halos and relics, will allow to test the current cluster formation scenario and to better constrain the physics of large scale structure evolution.