Looking at infrared background radiation anisotropies with Spitzer: large scale anisotropies and their implications

TL;DR

This study measures large-scale anisotropies in the cosmic infrared background using Spitzer data, revealing excess fluctuations likely linked to primordial black holes, and discusses implications for dark matter and future surveys.

Contribution

First measurement of large-scale CIB anisotropies with Spitzer, supporting the primordial black hole dark matter model and exploring cross-correlations with X-ray background.

Findings

Detected CIB anisotropies above known galaxy contributions on scales >1 arcmin

Confirmed fluctuations are free from Galactic and Solar System foregrounds

Supported primordial black holes as a plausible origin for excess CIB anisotropies

Abstract

We use Spitzer/IRAC deep exposure data covering two significantly larger than before sky areas to construct maps suitable for evaluating source-subtracted fluctuations in the cosmic infrared background (CIB). The maps are constructed using the self-calibration methodology eliminating artifacts to sufficient accuracy and subset maps are selected in each area containing approximately uniform exposures. These maps are clipped and removed of known sources and then Fourier transformed to probe the CIB anisotropies to new larger scales. The power spectrum of the resultant CIB anisotropies is measured from the data to >1 degree revealing the component well above that from remaining known galaxies on scales >1 arcmin. The fluctuations are demonstrated to be free of Galactic and Solar System foreground contributions out to the largest scales measured. We discuss the proposed theories for the origin of the excess CIB anisotropies in light of the new data. Out of these, the model where the CIB fluctuation excess originates from the granulation power due to LIGO-observed primordial black holes as dark matter appears most successful in accounting for all observations related to the measured CIB power amplitude and spatial structure, including the measured coherence between the CIB and unresolved cosmic X-ray background (CXB). Finally we point out the use of the data to probe the CIB-CXB cross-power to new scales and higher accuracy. We also discuss the synergy of these data with future CIB programs at shorter near-IR wavelengths with deep wide surveys and sub-arcsecond angular resolution as provided by Euclid and Roman space missions.