A census of radio haloes in Planck-SZ selected galaxy clusters
Abstract
We propose ATCA observation of a statistically significant, mass-limited sample of galaxy clusters at 20 cm to find the presence of radio haloes. Unlike previous selections based on X-ray luminosities, our sample is derived from the Planck all-sky cluster catalog based on the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect. The SZ signal is one of the best indicator of cluster masses, and we aim to establish if all clusters are hosting a radio halo commensurate with their mass. If true this can have significant impact on our understanding of radio halo origin. We have published the first radio-SZ correlation results using archival radio data, and found that the bi-modal division between radio halo and radio quiet objects, as seen in X-ray selections, is much weaker in SZ. The goal of the proposed observation is to confirm whether the bi-modality is merely weaker or non-existent in a mass selected sample, and constrain the scaling and intrinsic scatter in the radio halo power. The observation results will help to differentiate between competing theoretical models of particle acceleration inside radio haloes, and provide a better understanding of galaxy cluster evolution through mergers.
- Publication:
-
ATNF Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012atnf.prop.5236B
- Keywords:
-
- cosmology;
- ATCA