Constraining the electron and proton acceleration efficiencies in merger shocks in galaxy clusters

TL;DR

This study constrains electron and proton acceleration efficiencies in galaxy cluster merger shocks by combining radio relic observations with gamma-ray limits, challenging standard diffusive shock acceleration models.

Contribution

It provides new upper limits on gamma-ray emission from galaxy clusters with radio relics, testing the diffusive shock acceleration theory against observational constraints.

Findings

Diffusive shock acceleration struggles to explain radio relics without unrealistically large magnetic fields.

Gamma-ray stacking limits are close to model predictions, indicating tension with standard acceleration efficiencies.

The electron-to-proton energy ratio must be higher than previously thought, at least 10^{-2}.

Abstract

Radio relics in galaxy clusters are associated with powerful shocks that (re)accelerate relativistic electrons. It is widely believed that the acceleration proceeds via diffusive shock acceleration. In the framework of thermal leakage, the ratio of the energy in relativistic electrons to the energy in relativistic protons should should be smaller than $K_{\rm e/p} \sim 10^{-2}$. The relativistic protons interact with the thermal gas to produce $\gamma$-rays in hadronic interactions. Combining observations of radio relics with upper limits from $\gamma$-ray observatories can constrain the ratio $K_{\rm e/p}$. In this work we selected 10 galaxy clusters that contain double radio relics, and derive new upper limits from the stacking of $\gamma$-ray observations by FERMI. We modelled the propagation of shocks using a semi-analytical model, where we assumed a simple geometry for shocks and that cosmic ray protons are trapped in the intracluster medium. Our analysis shows that diffusive shock acceleration has difficulties in matching simultaneously the observed radio emission and the constraints imposed by FERMI, unless the magnetic field in relics is unrealistically large ($\gg 10 ~\rm \mu G$). In all investigated cases (also including realistic variations of our basic model and the effect of re-acceleration) the mean emission of the sample is of the order of the stacking limit by FERMI, or larger. These findings put tension on the commonly adopted model for the powering of radio relics, and imply that the relative acceleration efficiency of electrons and protons is at odds with predictions of diffusive shock acceleration, requiring $K_{\rm e/p} \geq 10-10^{-2}$.