Cluster X-ray luminosity-temperature relation at z>~1.5

TL;DR

This study extends the redshift range for analyzing the X-ray luminosity-temperature relation in galaxy clusters, revealing non-self-similar evolution likely influenced by baryonic physics, which impacts their use in cosmology.

Contribution

First high-redshift clusters studied without selection bias, providing new constraints on the evolution of the X-ray luminosity-temperature relation.

Findings

Clusters at z~1.8 show lower X-ray luminosity than expected.

Evolution of the intracluster medium is non-self-similar.

Baryonic physics influences cluster evolution.

Abstract

The evolution of the properties of the hot gas that fills the potential well of galaxy clusters is poorly known, since models are unable to give robust predictions and observations lack a sufficient redshift leverage and are affected by selection effects. Here, with just two high redshift, z approx 1.8, clusters avoiding selection biases, we obtain a significant extension of the redshift range and we begin to constrain the possible evolution of the X-ray luminosity vs temperature relation. The two clusters, JKC041 at z=2.2 and ISCSJ1438+3414 at z=1.41, are respectively the most distant cluster overall, and the second most distant that can be used for studying scaling relations. Their location in the X-ray luminosity vs temperature plane, with an X-ray luminosity 5 times lower than expected, suggests at the 95 % confidence that the evolution of the intracluster medium has not been self-similar in the last three quarters of the Universe age. Our conclusion is reinforced by data on a third, X-ray selected, high redshift cluster, too faint for its temperature when compared to a sample of similarly selected objects. Our data suggest that non-gravitational effects, such as the baryon physics, influence the evolution of galaxy cluster. Precise knowledge of evolution is central for using galaxy clusters as cosmological probes in planned X-ray surveys such as WFXT or JDEM.