Observing galaxy clusters and the cosmic web through the Sunyaev Zel'dovich effect with MISTRAL

TL;DR

This paper discusses the use of the MISTRAL camera at 90GHz, coupled with the Sardinia Radio Telescope, to observe galaxy clusters and the cosmic web via the Sunyaev Zel'dovich effect, emphasizing high angular resolution and sensitivity.

Contribution

Introduction of the MISTRAL camera with high angular resolution and sensitivity for SZ effect observations using the Sardinia Radio Telescope.

Findings

MISTRAL achieves 12'' angular resolution at 90GHz.

The camera has a forecasted sensitivity of 10-15 mJy√s.

Mapping speed is 380 arcmin²/mJy²/h.

Abstract

Galaxy clusters and surrounding medium, can be studied using X-ray bremsstrahlung emission and Sunyaev Zel'dovich (SZ) effect. Both astrophysical probes, sample the same environment with different parameters dependance. The SZ effect is relatively more sensitive in low density environments and thus is useful to study the filamentary structures of the cosmic web. In addition, observations of the matter distribution require high angular resolution in order to be able to map the matter distribution within and around galaxy clusters. MISTRAL is a camera working at 90GHz which, once coupled to the Sardinia Radio Telescope, can reach $12''$ angular resolution over $4'$ field of view (f.o.v.). The forecasted sensitivity is $NEFD \simeq 10-15mJy \sqrt{s}$ and the mapping speed is $MS= 380'^{2}/mJy^{2}/h$. MISTRAL was recently installed at the focus of the SRT and soon will take its first photons.