Phil Marshall

The All-wavelength Extended Groth Strip International Survey (AEGIS) Data Sets

In this the first of a series of Letters, we present a panchromatic data set in the Extended Groth Strip region of the sky. Our survey, the All-Wavelength Extended Groth Strip International Survey (AEGIS), aims to study the physical properties and evolutionary processes of galaxies at z ~ 1. It includes the following deep, wide-field imaging data sets: Chandra/ACIS X-ray, GALEX ultraviolet, CFHT/MegaCam Legacy Survey optical, CFHT/CFH12K optical, Hubble Space Telescope/ACS optical and NICMOS near-infrared, Palomar/WIRC near-infrared, Spitzer/IRAC mid-infrared, Spitzer/MIPS far-infrared, and VLA radio continuum. In addition, this region of the sky has been targeted for extensive spectroscopy using the Deep Imaging Multi-Object Spectrograph (DEIMOS) on the Keck II 10 m telescope. Our survey is compared to other large multiwavelength surveys in terms of depth and sky coverage.

Evidence of the accelerated expansion of the Universe from weak lensing tomography with COSMOS

We present a comprehensive analysis of weak gravitational lensing by large-scale structure in the Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS), in which we combine space-based galaxy shape measurements with ground-based photometric redshifts to study the redshift dependence of the lensing signal and constrain cosmological parameters. After applying our weak lensing-optimized data reduction, principal-component interpolation for the spatially, and temporally varying ACS point-spread function, and improved modelling of charge-transfer inefficiency, we measured a lensing signal that is consistent with pure gravitational modes and no significant shape systematics. We carefully estimated the statistical uncertainty from simulated COSMOS-like fields obtained from ray-tracing through the Millennium Simulation, including the full non-Gaussian sampling variance. We tested our lensing pipeline on simulated space-based data, recalibrated non-linear power spectrum corrections using the ray-tracing analysis, employed photometric redshift information to reduce potential contamination by intrinsic galaxy alignments, and marginalized over systematic uncertainties. We find that the weak lensing signal scales with redshift as expected from general relativity for a concordance ACDM cosmology, including the full cross-correlations between different redshift bins. Assuming a flat ACDM cosmology, we measure σ 8 (Ω m /0.3) 0.51 = 0.75 ± 0.08 from lensing, in perfect agreement with WMAP-5, yielding joint constraints Ω m = 0.266 +0.025 -0.023 σ 8 = 0.802 +0.028 -0.029 (all 68.3% conf.). Dropping the assumption of flatness and using priors from the HST Key Project and Big-Bang nucleosynthesis only, we find a negative deceleration parameter q 0 at 94.3% confidence from the tomographic lensing analysis, providing independent evidence of the accelerated expansion of the Universe. For a flat ωCDM cosmology and prior ω ∈ [-2, 0], we obtain ω < -0.41 (90% conf.). Our dark energy constraints are still relatively weak solely due to the limited area of COSMOS. However, they provide an important demonstration of the usefulness of tomographic weak lensing measurements from space.

A WIDE-FIELD HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE STUDY OF THE CLUSTER Cl 0024+1654 AT z = 0.4. II. THE CLUSTER MASS DISTRIBUTION

We present a comprehensive lensing analysis of the rich cluster Cl0024+1654 (z=0.395) based on panoramic sparse-sampled imaging conducted with the WFPC2 and STIS cameras on board the Hubble Space Telescope. By comparing higher fidelity signals in the limited STIS data with the wider field data available from WFPC2, we demonstrate an ability to detect reliably weak lensing signals to a cluster radius of ≃5 h −1 65 Mpc where the mean shear is around 1%. This enables us to study the distribution of dark matter with respect to the cluster light over an unprecedented range of cluster radius and environments. The projected mass distribution reveals a secondary concentration representing 30% of the overall cluster mass, which is also visible in the distribution of cluster member galaxies. We develop a method to derive the projected mass profile of the main cluster taking into account the influence of the secondary clump. We normalize the mass profile determined from the shear by assuming that background galaxies selected with 23 2.4. An isothermal mass profile is therefore strongly rejected, whereas a NFW profile with M200= 6.1 +1.2 1.1 10 14 h −1 65 M⊙ provides a good fit to the lensing data. We isolate cluster members according to their optical-near infrared colors; the red cluster light closely traces the dark matter with a mean mass-to-light ratio of M/LK= 40±5 h65 M⊙/L⊙. Similar profiles for mass and light on 1-5 Mpc scales are expected if cluster assembly is largely governed by infalling groups. Subject headings: cosmology: observations — gravitational lensing — cluster of galaxies: individual (Cl 0024+1654)

DARK MATTER CONTRACTION AND THE STELLAR CONTENT OF MASSIVE EARLY-TYPE GALAXIES: DISFAVORING 'LIGHT' INITIAL MASS FUNCTIONS

We use stellar dynamics, strong lensing, stellar population synthesis models, and weak lensing shear measurements to constrain the dark matter (DM) profile and stellar mass in a sample of 53 massive early-type galaxies. We explore three DM halo models (unperturbed Navarro, Frenk, and White (NFW) halos and the adiabatic contraction models of Blumenthal and Gnedin) and impose a model for the relationship between the stellar and virial mass (i.e., a relationship for the star formation efficiency as a function of halo mass). We show that, given our model assumptions, the data clearly prefer a Salpeter-like initial mass function (IMF) over a lighter IMF (e.g., Chabrier or Kroupa), irrespective of the choice of DM halo. In addition, we find that the data prefer at most a moderate amount of adiabatic contraction (Blumenthal adiabatic contraction is strongly disfavored) and are only consistent with no adiabatic contraction (i.e., an NFW halo) if a mass-dependent IMF is assumed, in the sense of a more massive normalization of the IMF for more massive halos.

H0LiCOW - V. New COSMOGRAIL time delays of HE 0435-1223: H0 to 3.8 per cent precision from strong lensing in a flat ΛCDM model

We present a new measurement of the Hubble Constant H-0 and other cosmological parameters based on the joint analysis of three multiply imaged quasar systems with measured gravitational time delays. First, we measure the time delay of HE 0435-1223 from 13-yr light curves obtained as part of the COSMOGRAIL project. Companion papers detail the modelling of the main deflectors and line-of-sight effects, and how these data are combined to determine the time-delay distance of HE 0435-1223. Crucially, the measurements are carried out blindly with respect to cosmological parameters in order to avoid confirmation bias. We then combine the time-delay distance of HE 0435-1223 with previous measurements from systems B1608+656 and RXJ1131-1231 to create a Time Delay Strong Lensing probe (IDSL). In flat A cold dark matter (ACDM) with free matter and energy density, we find H-0 = 71.9(-3.0)(+2.4) km s(-1) Mpc(-1) and Omega(Lambda) = 0.62(-0.35)(+0.24) This measurement is completely independent of, and in agreement with, the local distance ladder measurements of H-0. We explore more general cosmological models combining TDSL with other probes, illustrating its power to break degeneracies inherent to other methods. The joint constraints from IDSL and Planck are H-0 = 69.2(-2.2)(+1.4) km s(-1) Mpc(-1), Omega(Lambda) = 0.70(-0.01)(+0.01) and Omega(k) = 0.003(-0.006)(+0.004) in open ACDM and H-0 = 79.0(-4.2)(+4.4) km s(-1) Mpc(-1), Omega(de) = 0.77(-0.03)(+0.02) and w = -1.38(-0.16)(+0.14) in flat wCDM. In combination with Planck and baryon acoustic oscillation data, when relaxing the constraints on the numbers of relativistic species we find N-eff = 3.34(-0.21)(+0.21) in N-eff Lambda CDM and when relaxing the total mass of neutrinos we find Sigma rn(nu) <= 0.182 eV in m(nu) Lambda CDM. Finally, in an open wCDM in combination with Planck and cosmic microwave background lensing, we find H-0 = 77.9(-4.2)(+5.0) km s(-1) Mpc(-1), Omega(de) = 0.77(-0.03)(+0.03), Omega(k) = -0.003(-0.004)(+0.004) and w = -1.37(-0.23)(+0.18).

A Bayesian analysis of regularized source inversions in gravitational lensing

Strong gravitational lens systems with extended sources are of special interest because they provide additional constraints on the models of the lens systems. To use a gravitational lens system for measuring the Hubble constant, one would need to determine the lens potential and the source intensity distribution simultaneously. A linear inversion method to reconstruct a pixellated source brightness distribution of a given lens potential model was introduced by Warren & Dye. In the inversion process, regularization on the source intensity is often needed to ensure a successful inversion with a faithful resulting source. In this paper, we use Bayesian analysis to determine the optimal regularization constant (strength of regularization) of a given form of regularization and to objectively choose the optimal form of regularization given a selection of regularizations. We consider and compare quantitatively three different forms of regularization previously described in the literature for source inversions in gravitational lensing: zeroth-order, gradient and curvature. We use simulated data with the exact lens potential to demonstrate the method. We find that the preferred form of regularization depends on the nature of the source distribution.

DARK MATTER AND BARYONS IN THE X-RAY LUMINOUS MERGING GALAXY CLUSTER RX J1347.5-1145

The galaxy cluster RX J1347.5−1145 is one of the most X-ray luminous and most massive clusters known. Its extreme mass makes it a prime target for studying issues addressing cluster formation and cosmology. Despite the naive expectation that mass estimation for this cluster should be straightforward (high mass and favorable redshift make it an efficient lens, and in addition it is bright in X-rays and appears to be in a fairly relaxed state), some studies have reported very discrepant mass estimates from X-ray, dynamical and gravitational lensing. In this paper we present new high-resolution HST/ACS and Chandra X-ray data. The high resolution and sensitivity of ACS enabled us to detect and quantify several new multiply imaged sources, we now use a total of eight for the strong lensing analysis. Combining this information with shape measurements of weak lensing sources in the central regions of the cluster, we derive a high-resolution, absolutely-calibrated mass map. This map provides the best available quantification of the total mass of the central part of the cluster to date. We compare the reconstructed mass with that inferred from the new Chandra X-ray data, and conclude that both mass estimates agree extremely well in the observed region, namely within 400h −1 70 kpc of the cluster center. In addition we study the major baryonic components (gas and stars) and hence derive the dark matter distribution in the center of the cluster. We find that the dark matter and baryons are both centered on the BCG within the uncertainties (alignment is better than < 10 kpc). We measure the corresponding 1-D profiles and find that dark matter distribution is consistent with both NFW and cored profiles, indicating that a more extended radial analysis is needed to pinpoint the concentration parameter, and hence the inner slope of the dark matter profile. Subject headings: cosmology: dark matter – gravitational lensing – galaxies:clusters:individual:RX J1347.5-1145

FOCUSING COSMIC TELESCOPES: EXPLORING REDSHIFT z ∼ 5-6 GALAXIES WITH THE BULLET CLUSTER 1E0657 – 56*

The gravitational potential of clusters of galaxies acts as a cosmic telescope allowing us to find and study galaxies at fainter limits than otherwise possible and thus probe closer to the epoch of formation of the first galaxies. We use the Bullet cluster 1E0657 – 56 (z = 0.296) as a case study, because its high mass and merging configuration makes it one of the most efficient cosmic telescopes we know. We develop a new algorithm to reconstruct the gravitational potential of the Bullet cluster based on a non-uniform adaptive grid, combining strong and weak gravitational lensing data derived from deep Hubble Space Telescope/Advanced Camera for Surveys F606W–F775W–F850LP and ground-based imaging. We exploit this improved mass map to study z ~ 5-6 Lyman break galaxies (LBGs), which we detect as dropouts. One of the LBGs is multiply imaged, providing a geometric confirmation of its high redshift, and is used to further improve our mass model. We quantify the uncertainties in the magnification map reconstruction in the intrinsic source luminosity, and in the volume surveyed, and show that they are negligible compared to sample variance when determining the luminosity function of high-redshift galaxies. With shallower and comparable magnitude limits to Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF) and Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS), the Bullet cluster observations, after correcting for magnification, probe deeper into the luminosity function of the high-redshift galaxies than GOODS and only slightly shallower than HUDF. We conclude that accurately focused cosmic telescopes are the most efficient way to sample the bright end of the luminosity function of high-redshift galaxies and—in case they are multiply imaged—confirm their redshifts.

Analytic models of plausible gravitational lens potentials

Gravitational lenses on galaxy scales are plausibly modelled as having ellipsoidal symmetry and a universal dark matter density profile, with a Sersic profile to describe the distribution of baryonic matter. Predicting all lensing effects requires knowledge of the total lens potential: in this work we give analytic forms for that of the above hybrid model. Emphasising that complex lens potentials can be constructed from simpler components in linear combination, we provide a recipe for attaining elliptical symmetry in either projected mass or lens potential. We also provide analytic formulae for the lens potentials of Sersic profiles for integer and half-integer index. We then present formulae describing the gravitational lensing effects due to smoothly-truncated universal density profiles in cold dark matter model. For our isolated haloes the density profile falls off as radius to the minus fifth or seventh power beyond the tidal radius, functional forms that allow all orders of lens potential derivatives to be calculated analytically, while ensuring a non-divergent total mass. We show how the observables predicted by this profile differ from that of the original infinite-mass NFW profile. Expressions for the gravitational flexion are highlighted. We show how decreasing the tidal radius allows stripped haloes to be modelled, providing a framework for a fuller investigation of dark matter substructure in galaxies and clusters. Finally we remark on the need for finite mass halo profiles when doing cosmological ray-tracing simulations, and the need for readily-calculable higher order derivatives of the lens potential when studying catastrophes in strong lenses.

STRONG LENS TIME DELAY CHALLENGE. II. RESULTS OF TDC1

We present the results of the first strong lens time delay challenge. The motivation, experimental design, and entry level challenge are described in a companion paper. This paper presents the main challenge, TDC1, which consisted of analyzing thousands of simulated light curves blindly. The observational properties of the light curves cover the range in quality obtained for current targeted efforts (e.g.,~COSMOGRAIL) and expected from future synoptic surveys (e.g.,~LSST), and include simulated systematic errors. \nteamsA\ teams participated in TDC1, submitting results from \nmethods\ different method variants. After a describing each method, we compute and analyze basic statistics measuring accuracy (or bias)