21 cm Intensity Mapping

TL;DR

This paper discusses the use of 21 cm intensity mapping across the sky from redshift 0 to 5 to map large-scale structures, study dark energy, gravity effects, and catalog transient radio sources.

Contribution

It introduces a method for three-dimensional large-scale structure mapping using 21 cm intensity data instead of galaxy surveys, covering a broad redshift range.

Findings

Potential to measure Baryon Acoustic Oscillation wavelengths

Addresses key questions about dark energy and gravity

Enables cataloging of transient radio sources

Abstract

Using the 21 cm line, observed all-sky and across the redshift range from 0 to 5, the large scale structure of the Universe can be mapped in three dimensions. This can be accomplished by studying specific intensity with resolution ~ 10 Mpc, rather than via the usual galaxy redshift survey. The data set can be analyzed to determine Baryon Acoustic Oscillation wavelengths, in order to address the question: 'What is the nature of Dark Energy?' In addition, the study of Large Scale Structure across this range addresses the questions: 'How does Gravity effect very large objects?' and 'What is the composition our Universe?' The same data set can be used to search for and catalog time variable and transient radio sources.