arXiv · astro-ph/0604231
Particle decay in the early universe: predictions for 21 cm
Abstract
The influence of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and decaying dark matter particles on the emission and absorption characteristics of neutral hydrogen in 21 cm at redshifts $z = 10-50$ is considered. In presence of UHECRs 21 cm can be seen in absorption with the brightness temperature $T_b=-(5-10)$ mK in the range $z=10-30$. Decayng particles can stimulate a 21 cm signal in emission with $T_b\sim 50-60$ mK at $z =50$, and $T_b \simeq 10$ mK at $z \sim 20$. Characteristics of the fluctuations of the brightness temperature, in particular, its power spectrum are also calculated. The maps of the power spectrum of the brightness temperature on the plane {\it wavenumber-redshift} are shown to be sensitive to the parameters of UHECRs and decaying dark matter. Observational possibilities to detect manifestations of UHECRs and/or decaying particles in 21 cm with the future radio telescopes (LOFAR, 21CMA and SKA), and to distinguish contributions from them are briefly discussed.
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Yu. A. Shchekinov, E. O. Vasiliev. 2007-04-13. Particle decay in the early universe: predictions for 21 cm. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2007.11715.x
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