Astrophysics and Cosmology with Line-Intensity Mapping

TL;DR

Line-Intensity Mapping is a promising new observational technique that can efficiently explore large volumes of the universe, providing unique insights into cosmic history, galaxy evolution, and fundamental physics across multiple epochs.

Contribution

This paper reviews the potential of line-intensity mapping as a comprehensive method to study the universe's evolution and fundamental physics, highlighting its advantages over traditional surveys.

Findings

Probes over 80% of the observable universe's volume.

Can address key questions in galaxy evolution and cosmology.

Offers a cost-effective approach with relaxed instrument requirements.

Abstract

Line-Intensity Mapping is an emerging technique which promises new insights into the evolution of the Universe, from star formation at low redshifts to the epoch of reionization and cosmic dawn. It measures the integrated emission of atomic and molecular spectral lines from galaxies and the intergalactic medium over a broad range of frequencies, using instruments with aperture requirements that are greatly relaxed relative to surveys for single objects. A coordinated, comprehensive, multi-line intensity-mapping experimental effort can efficiently probe over 80% of the volume of the observable Universe - a feat beyond the reach of other methods. Line-intensity mapping will uniquely address a wide array of pressing mysteries in galaxy evolution, cosmology, and fundamental physics. Among them are the cosmic history of star formation and galaxy evolution, the compositions of the interstellar and intergalactic media, the physical processes that take place during the epoch of reionization, cosmological inflation, the validity of Einstein's gravity theory on the largest scales, the nature of dark energy and the origin of dark matter.