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Alkistis Pourtsidou

Publications and source records attributed to Alkistis Pourtsidou.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Hybrid $P_{\ell}(k)$: general, unified, non-linear matter power spectrum in redshift space

Constraints on gravity and cosmology will greatly benefit from performing joint clustering and weak lensing analyses on large-scale structure data sets. Utilising non-linear information coming from small physical scales can greatly enhance these constraints. At the heart of these analyses is the matter power spectrum. Here we employ a simple method, dubbed "Hybrid $P_\ell(k)$", based on the Gaussian Streaming Model (GSM), to calculate the quasi non-linear redshift space matter power spectrum multipoles. This employs a fully non-linear and theoretically general prescription for the matter power spectrum. We test this approach against comoving Lagrangian acceleration simulation measurements performed in GR, DGP and $f(R)$ gravity and find that our method performs comparably or better to the dark matter TNS redshift space power spectrum model for dark matter. When comparing the redshift space multipoles for halos, we find that the Gaussian approximation of the GSM with a linear bias and a free stochastic term, $N$, is competitive to the TNS model. Our approach offers many avenues for improvement in accuracy as well as further unification under the halo model.

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Multipole expansion for HI intensity mapping experiments: simulations and modelling

We present a framework and an open-source python toolkit to analyse the 2-point statistics of 3D fluctuations in the context of HI intensity maps using the multipole expansion formalism. We include simulations of the cosmological HI signal using N-body and log-normal methods, foregrounds and their removal, as well as instrumental effects. Using these simulations and analytical modelling, we investigate the impact of foreground cleaning and the instrumental beam on the power spectrum multipoles as well as on the Fourier space clustering wedges. We find that both the instrumental beam and the foreground removal can produce a quadrupole (and a hexadecapole) signal, and demonstrate the importance of controlling and accurately modelling these effects for precision radio cosmology. We conclude that these effects can be modelled with reasonable accuracy using our multipole expansion technique. We also perform an MCMC analysis to showcase the effect of foreground cleaning on the estimation of the HI abundance and bias parameters. The accompanying python toolkit is available at https://github.com/IntensityTools/MultipoleExpansion, and includes an interactive suite of examples to aid new users.

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Prospects for cosmic magnification measurements using HI intensity mapping

We investigate the prospects of measuring the cosmic magnification effect by cross-correlating neutral hydrogen intensity mapping (HI IM) maps with background optical galaxies. We forecast the signal-to-noise ratio for HI IM data from SKA1-MID and HIRAX, combined with LSST photometric galaxy samples. We find that, thanks to their different resolutions, SKA1-MID and HIRAX are highly complementary in such an analysis. We predict that SKA1-MID can achieve a detection with a signal-to-noise ratio of $\sim 15$ on a multipole range of $\ell \lesssim 200$, while HIRAX can reach a signal-to-noise ratio of $\sim 50$ on $200 < \ell < 2000$. We conclude that measurements of the cosmic magnification signal will be possible on a wide redshift range with foreground HI intensity maps up to $z \lesssim 2$, while optimal results are obtained when $0.6 \lesssim z \lesssim 1.3$. Finally, we perform a signal to noise analysis that shows how these measurements can constrain the HI parameters across a wide redshift range.

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Assessing non-linear models for galaxy clustering II: model validation and forecasts for Stage IV surveys

Accurate modelling of non-linear scales in galaxy clustering will be crucial for data analysis of Stage IV galaxy surveys. A selection of competing non-linear models must be made based on validation studies. We provide a comprehensive set of forecasts of two different models for the halo redshift space power spectrum, namely the commonly applied TNS model and an effective field theory of large scale structure (EFTofLSS) inspired model. Using simulation data and a least-$χ^2$ analysis, we determine ranges of validity for the models. We then conduct an exploratory Fisher analysis using the full anisotropic power spectrum to investigate parameter degeneracies. We proceed to perform an MCMC analysis utilising the monopole, quadrupole, and hexadecapole spectra, with a restricted range of scales for the latter in order to avoid biasing our growth rate, $f$, constraint. We find that the TNS model with a Lorentzian damping and standard Eulerian perturbative modelling outperforms other variants of the TNS model. Our MCMC analysis finds that the EFTofLSS-based model may provide tighter marginalised constraints on $f$ at $z=0.5$ and $z=1$ than the TNS model, despite having additional nuisance parameters. However this depends on the range of scales used as well as the fiducial values and priors on the EFT nuisance parameters. Finally, we extend previous work to provide a consistent comparison between the Fisher matrix and MCMC forecasts using the multipole expansion formalism, and find good agreement between them.

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Understanding the suppression of structure formation from dark matter$\unicode{x2013}$dark energy momentum coupling

Models in which scalar field dark energy interacts with dark matter via a pure momentum coupling have previously been found to potentially ease the structure formation tension between early- and late-universe observations. In this article we explore the physical mechanism underlying this feature. We argue analytically that the perturbation growth equations imply the suppression of structure growth, illustrating our discussion with numerical calculations. Then we generalise the previously studied quadratic coupling between the dark energy and dark matter to a more general power law case, also allowing for the slope of the dark energy exponential potential to vary. We find that the structure growth suppression is a generic feature of power law couplings and it can, for a range of parameter values, be larger than previously found.

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Assessing non-linear models for galaxy clustering I: unbiased growth forecasts from multipole expansion

We assess the performance of the Taruya, Nishimichi and Saito (TNS) model for the halo redshift space power spectrum, focusing on utilising mildly non-linear scales to constrain the growth rate of structure f. Using simulations with volume and number density typical of forthcoming Stage IV galaxy surveys, we determine ranges of validity for the model at redshifts z = 0.5 and z = 1. We proceed to perform a Bayesian MCMC analysis utilising the monopole, quadrupole, and hexadecapole spectra, followed by an exploratory Fisher matrix analysis. As previously noted in other forecasts as well as in real data analyses, we find that including the hexadecapole can significantly improve the constraints. However, a restricted range of scales is required for the hexadecapole in order for the growth parameter estimation to remain unbiased, limiting the improvement. We consistently quantify these effects by employing the multipole expansion formalism in both our Fisher and MCMC forecasts.

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Impact of Foregrounds on HI Intensity Mapping Cross-Correlations with Optical Surveys

The future of precision cosmology could benefit from cross-correlations between intensity maps of unresolved neutral hydrogen (HI) and more conventional optical galaxy surveys. A major challenge that needs to be overcome is removing the 21cm foreground emission that contaminates the cosmological HI signal. Using N-body simulations we simulate HI intensity maps and optical catalogues which share the same underlying cosmology. Adding simulated foreground contamination and using state-of-the-art reconstruction techniques we investigate the impacts that 21cm foregrounds and other systematics have on these cross-correlations. We find that the impact a FASTICA 21cm foreground clean has on the cross-correlations with spectroscopic optical surveys with well-constrained redshifts is minimal. However, problems arise when photometric surveys are considered: we find that a redshift uncertainty σ_z {\geq} 0.04 causes significant degradation in the cross power spectrum signal. We diagnose the main root of these problems, which relates to arbitrary amplitude changes along the line-of-sight in the intensity maps caused by the foreground clean and suggest solutions which should be applicable to real data. These solutions involve a reconstruction of the line-of-sight temperature means using the available overlapping optical data along with an artificial extension to the HI data through redshift to address edge effects. We then put these solutions through a further test in a mock experiment that uses a clustering-based redshift estimation technique to constrain the photometric redshifts of the optical sample. We find that with our suggested reconstruction, cross-correlations can be utilized to make an accurate prediction of the optical redshift distribution.

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Cosmology with Phase 1 of the Square Kilometre Array; Red Book 2018: Technical specifications and performance forecasts

We present a detailed overview of the cosmological surveys that will be carried out with Phase 1 of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA1), and the science that they will enable. We highlight three main surveys: a medium-deep continuum weak lensing and low-redshift spectroscopic HI galaxy survey over 5,000 sqdeg; a wide and deep continuum galaxy and HI intensity mapping survey over 20,000 sqdeg from z = 0.35 - 3; and a deep, high-redshift HI intensity mapping survey over 100 sqdeg from z = 3 - 6. Taken together, these surveys will achieve an array of important scientific goals: measuring the equation of state of dark energy out to z ~ 3 with percent-level precision measurements of the cosmic expansion rate; constraining possible deviations from General Relativity on cosmological scales by measuring the growth rate of structure through multiple independent methods; mapping the structure of the Universe on the largest accessible scales, thus constraining fundamental properties such as isotropy, homogeneity, and non-Gaussianity; and measuring the HI density and bias out to z = 6. These surveys will also provide highly complementary clustering and weak lensing measurements that have independent systematic uncertainties to those of optical surveys like LSST and Euclid, leading to a multitude of synergies that can improve constraints significantly beyond what optical or radio surveys can achieve on their own. This document, the 2018 Red Book, provides reference technical specifications, cosmological parameter forecasts, and an overview of relevant systematic effects for the three key surveys, and will be regularly updated by the Cosmology Science Working Group in the run up to start of operations and the Key Science Programme of SKA1.

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HI Intensity Mapping for Clustering-Based Redshift Estimation

Precision cosmology requires accurate galaxy redshifts, but next generation optical surveys will observe unprecedented numbers of resolved galaxies, placing strain on the amount of spectroscopic follow-up required. We show how useful information can be gained on the redshift distributions of optical galaxy samples from spatial cross-correlations with intensity maps of unresolved HI (21cm) spectral line emission. We construct a redshift distribution estimator, which we test using simulations. We utilise the S3-SAX catalogue which includes HI emission information for each galaxy, which we use to construct HI intensity maps. We also make use of simulated LSST and Euclid-like photometry enabling us to apply the HI clustering calibration to realistic simulated photometric redshifts. While taking into account important limitations to HI intensity mapping such as lost k-modes from foreground cleaning and poor angular resolution due to large receiver beams, we show that excellent constraints on redshift distributions can be provided for an optical photometric sample.

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Modelling Non-Linear Effects of Dark Energy

We investigate the capabilities of perturbation theory in capturing non-linear effects of dark energy. We test constant and evolving $ω$ models, as well as models involving momentum exchange between dark energy and dark matter. Specifically, we compare perturbative predictions at 1-loop level against N-body results for four non-standard equations of state as well as varying degrees of momentum exchange between dark energy and dark matter. The interaction is modelled phenomenologically using a time dependent drag term in the Euler equation. We make comparisons at the level of the matter power spectrum and the redshift space monopole and quadrupole. The multipoles are modelled using the Taruya, Nishimichi and Saito (TNS) redshift space spectrum. We find perturbation theory does very well in capturing non-linear effects coming from dark sector interaction. We isolate and quantify the 1-loop contribution coming from the interaction and from the non-standard equation of state. We find the interaction parameter $ξ$ amplifies scale dependent signatures in the range of scales considered. Non-standard equations of state also give scale dependent signatures within this same regime. In redshift space the match with N-body is improved at smaller scales by the addition of the TNS free parameter $σ_v$. To quantify the importance of modelling the interaction, we create mock data sets for varying values of $ξ$ using perturbation theory. This data is given errors typical of Stage IV surveys. We then perform a likelihood analysis using the first two multipoles on these sets and a $ξ=0$ modelling, ignoring the interaction. We find the fiducial growth parameter $f$ is generally recovered even for very large values of $ξ$ both at $z=0.5$ and $z=1$. The $ξ=0$ modelling is most biased in its estimation of $f$ for the phantom $ω=-1.1$ case.

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Variable sound speed in interacting dark energy models

We consider a self-consistent and physical approach to interacting dark energy models described by a Lagrangian, and identify a new class of models with variable dark energy sound speed. We show that if the interaction between dark energy in the form of quintessence and cold dark matter is purely momentum exchange this generally leads to a dark energy sound speed that deviates from unity. Choosing a specific sub-case, we study its phenomenology by investigating the effects of the interaction on the cosmic microwave background and linear matter power spectrum. We also perform a global fitting of cosmological parameters using CMB data, and compare our findings to $Λ$CDM.

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Simulations for 21 cm radiation lensing at EoR redshifts

We introduce simulations aimed at assessing how well weak gravitational lensing of 21cm radiation from the Epoch of Reionization ($z \sim 8$) can be measured by an SKA-like radio telescope. A simulation pipeline has been implemented to study the performance of lensing reconstruction techniques. We show how well the lensing signal can be reconstructed using the three-dimensional quadratic lensing estimator in Fourier space assuming different survey strategies. The numerical code introduced in this work is capable of dealing with issues that can not be treated analytically such as the discreteness of visibility measurements and the inclusion of a realistic model for the antennae distribution. This paves the way for future numerical studies implementing more realistic reionization models, foreground subtraction schemes, and testing the performance of lensing estimators that take into account the non-Gaussian distribution of HI after reionization. If multiple frequency channels covering $z \sim 7-11.6$ are combined, Phase 1 of SKA-Low should be able to obtain good quality images of the lensing potential with a total resolution of $\sim 1.6$ arcmin. The SKA-Low Phase 2 should be capable of providing images with high-fidelity even using data from $z\sim 7.7 - 8.3$. We perform tests aimed at evaluating the numerical implementation of the mapping reconstruction. We also discuss the possibility of measuring an accurate lensing power spectrum. Combining data from $z \sim 7-11.6$ using the SKA2-Low telescope model, we find constraints comparable to sample variance in the range $L<1000$, even for survey areas as small as $25\mbox{ deg}^2$.

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HI Intensity Mapping with MeerKAT

We explore the possibility of performing an HI intensity mapping survey with the South African MeerKAT radio telescope, which is a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). We propose to use cross-correlations between the MeerKAT intensity mapping survey and optical galaxy surveys, in order to mitigate systematic effects and produce robust cosmological measurements. Our forecasts show that precise measurements of the HI signal can be made in the near future. These can be used to constrain HI and cosmological parameters across a wide range of redshift.

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MeerKLASS: MeerKAT Large Area Synoptic Survey

We discuss the ground-breaking science that will be possible with a wide area survey, using the MeerKAT telescope, known as MeerKLASS (MeerKAT Large Area Synoptic Survey). The current specifications of MeerKAT make it a great fit for science applications that require large survey speeds but not necessarily high angular resolutions. In particular, for cosmology, a large survey over $\sim 4,000 \, {\rm deg}^2$ for $\sim 4,000$ hours will potentially provide the first ever measurements of the baryon acoustic oscillations using the 21cm intensity mapping technique, with enough accuracy to impose constraints on the nature of dark energy. The combination with multi-wavelength data will give unique additional information, such as exquisite constraints on primordial non-Gaussianity using the multi-tracer technique, as well as a better handle on foregrounds and systematics. Such a wide survey with MeerKAT is also a great match for HI galaxy studies, providing unrivalled statistics in the pre-SKA era for galaxies resolved in the HI emission line beyond local structures at z > 0.01. It will also produce a large continuum galaxy sample down to a depth of about 5\,$μ$Jy in L-band, which is quite unique over such large areas and will allow studies of the large-scale structure of the Universe out to high redshifts, complementing the galaxy HI survey to form a transformational multi-wavelength approach to study galaxy dynamics and evolution. Finally, the same survey will supply unique information for a range of other science applications, including a large statistical investigation of galaxy clusters as well as produce a rotation measure map across a huge swathe of the sky. The MeerKLASS survey will be a crucial step on the road to using SKA1-MID for cosmological applications and other commensal surveys, as described in the top priority SKA key science projects (abridged).

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HI and cosmological constraints from intensity mapping, optical, and CMB surveys

We forecast constraints on neutral hydrogen (HI) and cosmological parameters using near-term intensity mapping surveys with instruments such as BINGO, MeerKAT, and the SKA, and Stage III and IV optical galaxy surveys. If foregrounds and systematic effects can be controlled - a problem which becomes much easier in cross-correlation - these surveys will provide exquisite measurements of the HI density and bias, as well as measurements of the growth of structure, the angular diameter distance, and the Hubble rate, over a wide range of redshift. We also investigate the possibility of detecting the late time ISW effect using the Planck satellite and forthcoming intensity mapping surveys, finding that a large sky survey with Phase 1 of the SKA can achieve a near optimal detection.

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Synergistic tests of inflation

We investigate the possibility of utilising 21cm intensity mapping, optical galaxy, and Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) surveys to constrain the power spectrum of primordial fluctuations predicted by single-field slow-roll inflation models. Implementing a Fisher forecast analysis, we derive constraints on the spectral tilt parameter $n_{\rm s}$ and its first and second runnings $(α_{\rm s},β_{\rm s})$. We show that 21cm intensity mapping surveys with instruments like the Square Kilometre Array, CHIME, and HIRAX, can be powerful probes of the primordial features. We combine our forecasts with the ones derived for a COrE-like CMB survey, as well as for a Stage IV optical galaxy survey similar to Euclid. The synergies between different surveys can be exploited to rule out a large fraction of the available inflationary models.

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Update on the BINGO 21cm intensity mapping experiment

21cm intensity mapping is a novel approach aimed at measuring the power spectrum of density fluctuations and deducing cosmological information, notably from the Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations (BAO). We give an update on the progress of BAO from Integrated Neutral Gas Observations (BINGO) which is a single dish intensity mapping project. First we explain the basic ideas behind intensity mapping concept before updating the instrument design for BINGO. We also outline the survey we plan to make and its projected science output including estimates of cosmological parameters.

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Reconciling CMB and structure growth measurements with dark energy interactions

We study a coupled quintessence model with pure momentum exchange and present the effects of such an interaction on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and matter power spectrum. For a wide range of negative values of the coupling parameter $β$ structure growth is suppressed and the model can reconcile the tension between Cosmic Microwave Background observations and structure growth inferred from cluster counts. We find that this model is as good as $Λ$CDM for CMB and baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) data, while the addition of cluster data makes the model strongly preferred, improving the best-fit $χ^2$-value by more than $16$.

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