The Phase-Space Structure of Cold Dark Matter in the Universe

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-resolution phase-space tessellation method for analyzing cold dark matter in cosmological simulations, revealing intricate cosmic web structures and enabling detailed void and caustic surface identification.

Contribution

A novel tessellation-based technique for computing density and velocity fields in cosmological simulations with unprecedented spatial resolution.

Findings

Reveals a more complex cosmic web than previous visualizations

Allows unique identification of voids and caustic surfaces

Enhances understanding of dark matter distribution in the universe

Abstract

A novel method allowing to compute density, velocity and other fields in cosmological N--body simulations with unprecedentedly high spatial resolution is described. It is based on the tessellation of the three-dimensional manifold representing cold dark matter in six-dimensional phase space. The density, velocity and other fields are computed by projecting the tessellation on configuration space. The application of this technique to cosmological N--body simulations in LambdaCDM cosmology reveals a far more elaborate cosmic web then dot plots or self--adaptive SPH. In addition, this method allows to uniquely define physical voids and identify and study the caustic surfaces directly.