Galaxy Cluster Science with the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect can be used with SKA-MID to study galaxy clusters, providing accurate mass estimates and insights into intra-cluster medium physics, especially at high redshifts.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of SKA-MID observations combined with upcoming X-ray and optical surveys to improve galaxy cluster studies and cosmological measurements.

Findings

SZ effect provides accurate cluster mass estimates.

SKA-MID enables detailed intra-cluster medium studies.

High-redshift clusters can be effectively studied with SZ independence from redshift.

Abstract

Studying galaxy clusters through their Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) imprint on the Cosmic Microwave Background has many important advantages. The total SZ signal is an accurate and precise tracer of the total pressure in the intra-cluster medium and of cluster mass, the key observable for using clusters as cosmological probes. Band 5 observations with SKA-MID towards cluster surveys from the next generation of X-ray telescopes such as e-ROSITA and from Euclid will provide the robust mass estimates required to exploit these samples. This will be especially important for high redshift systems, arising from the SZ's unique independence to redshift. In addition, galaxy clusters are very interesting astrophysical systems in their own right, and the SKA's excellent surface brightness sensitivity down to small angular scales will allow us to explore the detailed gas physics of the intra-cluster medium.