Sunyaev-Zel'dovich observations with the Ryle Telescope

TL;DR

This paper reports on Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect observations of galaxy clusters with the Ryle Telescope, providing insights into cluster properties, H_0 estimates, and gravitational lensing phenomena.

Contribution

First use of the Ryle Telescope for SZ imaging of clusters in an X-ray selected sample, including a novel detection of a high-redshift lensing cluster candidate.

Findings

H_0 estimates from two clusters are consistent with low values.

Detection of a SZ decrement towards a high-redshift quasar pair.

Evidence of significant gravitational lensing effects.

Abstract

The Ryle Telescope has been used to provide images at 15 GHz of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich decrements towards a dozen clusters in an X-ray luminosity-limited sample. So far, X-ray data have allowed H_0 estimates towards two of these, both giving ``low'' values that are self-consistent, though it is essential to obtain many more estimates to reduce the effects of cluster projection. We have also discovered a decrement towards the z=3.8 quasar pair PC1643+4631A&B (198'' separation); substantial X-ray, optical and infrared follow-up show that the cluster responsible is either at z>1 or very underluminous and that very significant gravitational lensing must be occuring.