The Extended Medium-Sensitivity Survey Distant Cluster Sample: X-Ray Cosmological Evolution

The X-ray luminosity function of clusters of galaxies is determined at different cosmic epochs using data from the Einstein Observatory Extended Medium Sensitivity Survey. The sample consists of 67 X-ray-selected clusters that have been grouped in thrEe redshift shells. Evolution is detected in the X-ray properties of clusters. The present volume density of high-luminosity clusters is found to be greater than it was in the past. Given the still limited data set, this result should be regarded as preliminary. It can be interpreted as the consequence of either luminosity evolution or modest density evolution.