LIMFAST. I. A Semi-Numerical Tool for Line Intensity Mapping

TL;DR

LIMFAST is a semi-numerical simulation tool that models high-redshift galaxy formation and cosmic reionization through line intensity mapping signals, extending 21cmFAST with advanced galaxy evolution models.

Contribution

It introduces a new semi-numerical code, LIMFAST, that self-consistently simulates multiple line intensity mapping signals and their relation to galaxy formation and reionization.

Findings

Broad agreement with observed cosmic star formation history.

Successful simulation of multiple LIM signals including 21cm, Lyα, Hα, Hβ, [OII], [OIII].

Framework's potential to test galaxy evolution models against future data.

Abstract

We present LIMFAST, a semi-numerical code for simulating high-redshift galaxy formation and cosmic reionization as revealed by multi-tracer line intensity mapping (LIM) signals. LIMFAST builds upon and extends the 21cmFAST code widely used for 21 cm cosmology by implementing state-of-the-art models of galaxy formation and evolution. The metagalactic radiation background, including the production of various star-formation lines, together with the 21 cm line signal tracing the neutral intergalactic medium (IGM), are self-consistently described by photoionization modeling and stellar population synthesis coupled to the galaxy formation model. We introduce basic structure and functionalities of the code, and demonstrate its validity and capabilities by showing broad agreements between the predicted and observed evolution of cosmic star formation, IGM neutral fraction, and metal enrichment. We also present the LIM signals of 21 cm, Ly$\alpha$, H$\alpha$, H$\beta$, [OII], and [OIII] lines simulated by LIMFAST, and compare them with results from the literature. We elaborate on how several major aspects of our modeling framework, including models of star formation, chemical enrichment, and photoionization, may impact different LIM observables and thus become testable once applied to observational data. LIMFAST aims at being an efficient and resourceful tool for intensity mapping studies in general, exploring a wide range of scenarios of galaxy evolution and reionization and frequencies over which useful cosmological signals can be measured.