arXiv subjects

Richard Massey

Publications and source records attributed to Richard Massey.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Exponential shapelets: basis functions for data analysis of isolated features

We introduce one- and two-dimensional `exponential shapelets': orthonormal basis functions that efficiently model isolated features in data. They are built from eigenfunctions of the quantum mechanical hydrogen atom, and inherit mathematics with elegant properties under Fourier transform, and hence (de)convolution. For a wide variety of data, exponential shapelets compress information better than Gauss-Hermite/Gauss-Laguerre (`shapelet') decomposition, and generalise previous attempts that were limited to 1D or circularly symmetric basis functions. We discuss example applications in astronomy, fundamental physics and space geodesy.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2018

The core of the massive cluster merger MACS J0417.5-1154 as seen by VLT/MUSE

We present a multi-wavelength analysis of the core of the massive galaxy cluster MACS\,J0417.5-1154 ($z = 0.441$; MACS\;J0417). Our analysis takes advantage of VLT/MUSE observations which allow the spectroscopic confirmation of three strongly-lensed systems. One of these, nick-named \emph{The Doughnut}, consists of three complete images of a complex ring galaxy at $z = 0.8718$ and a fourth, partial and radial image close to the Brightest Cluster Galaxy (BCG) only discernible thanks to its strong [OII] line emission. The best-fit mass model (rms of 0.38\arcsec) yields a two-dimensional enclosed mass of $M({\rm R < 200\,kpc}) = (1.77\pm0.03)\times10^{14}\,\msun$ and almost perfect alignment between the peaks of the BCG light and the dark matter of ($0.5\pm0.5$)\arcsec . Our finding that a significant misalignment results when the radial image of \emph{The Doughnut} is omitted serves as an important caveat for studies of BCG-dark matter offsets in galaxy clusters. Using \emph{Chandra} data to map the intra-cluster gas, we observe an offset between the gas and dark-matter peaks of ($1.7\pm0.5$)\arcsec, and excellent alignment of the X-ray peak with the location of optical emission line associated with the BCG. We interpret all observational evidence in the framework of on-going merger activity, noting specifically that the coincidence between the gas peak and the peak of blue light from the BCG may be evidence of dense, cold gas leading to direct star formation. We use the surface area $σ_μ$ above a given magnification factor $μ$ as a metric to estimate the lensing power of MACS\,J0417. We obtain $σ(μ> 3) = 0.22$\,arcmin$^2$ confirming MACS\,J0417 as an efficient gravitational lens. Finally, we discuss the differences between our mass model and Mahler et al. (2018).

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arXiv2018

AutoLens: Automated Modeling of a Strong Lens's Light, Mass and Source

This work presents AutoLens, the first entirely automated modeling suite for the analysis of galaxy-scale strong gravitational lenses. AutoLens simultaneously models the lens galaxy's light and mass whilst reconstructing the extended source galaxy on an adaptive pixel-grid. The method's approach to source-plane discretization is amorphous, adapting its clustering and regularization to the intrinsic properties of the lensed source. The lens's light is fitted using a superposition of Sersic functions, allowing AutoLens to cleanly deblend its light from the source. Single component mass models representing the lens's total mass density profile are demonstrated, which in conjunction with light modeling can detect central images using a centrally cored profile. Decomposed mass modeling is also shown, which can fully decouple a lens's light and dark matter and determine whether the two component are geometrically aligned. The complexity of the light and mass models are automatically chosen via Bayesian model comparison. These steps form AutoLens's automated analysis pipeline, such that all results in this work are generated without any user-intervention. This is rigorously tested on a large suite of simulated images, assessing its performance on a broad range of lens profiles, source morphologies and lensing geometries. The method's performance is excellent, with accurate light, mass and source profiles inferred for data sets representative of both existing Hubble imaging and future Euclid wide-field observations.

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arXiv2018

Artificial guide stars for adaptive optics using unmanned aerial vehicles

Astronomical adaptive optics systems are used to increase effective telescope resolution. However, they cannot be used to observe the whole sky since one or more natural guide stars of sufficient brightness must be found within the telescope field of view for the AO system to work. Even when laser guide stars are used, natural guide stars are still required to provide a constant position reference. Here, we introduce a technique to overcome this problem by using rotary unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a platform from which to produce artificial guide stars. We describe the concept, which relies on the UAV being able to measure its precise relative position. We investigate the adaptive optics performance improvements that can be achieved, which in the cases presented here can improve the Strehl ratio by a factor of at least 2 for a 8~m class telescope. We also discuss improvements to this technique, which is relevant to both astronomical and solar adaptive optics systems.

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arXiv2018

The diverse density profiles of galaxy clusters with self-interacting dark matter plus baryons

We present the first simulated galaxy clusters (M_200 > 10^14 Msun) with both self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) and baryonic physics. They exhibit a greater diversity in both dark matter and stellar density profiles than their counterparts in simulations with collisionless dark matter (CDM), which is generated by the complex interplay between dark matter self-interactions and baryonic physics. Despite variations in formation history, we demonstrate that analytical Jeans modelling predicts the SIDM density profiles remarkably well, and the diverse properties of the haloes can be understood in terms of their different final baryon distributions.

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arXiv2018

Precision Projector Laboratory: Detector Characterization with an Astronomical Emulation Testbed

As astronomical observations from space benefit from improved sensitivity, the effectiveness of scientific programs is becoming limited by systematics that often originate in poorly understood image sensor behavior. Traditional, bottom-up detector characterization methods provide one way to model underlying detector physics, and generate ever more faithful numerical simulations, but this approach is vulnerable to preconceptions and over-simplification. The alternative top-down approach is laboratory emulation, which enables observation, calibration, and analysis scenarios to be tested without relying on a complete understanding of the underlying physics. This complements detector characterization and simulation efforts by testing their validity. We describe a laboratory facility and experimental testbed that supports the emulation of a wide range of mission concepts such as gravitational weak lensing measurements by WFIRST and high precision spectrophotometry of transiting exoplanets by JWST. An Offner relay projects readily customizable "scenes" (e.g. stars, galaxies, spectra) with very low optical aberration over the full area of a typical optical or near infrared image sensor. f/8 and slower focal ratios may be selected, spanning those of most proposed space missions and approximating the point spread function (PSF) size of seeing limited ground based surveys. Diffraction limited PSFs are projected over a wide field of view and wavelength range to deliver highly predictable image patterns down to sub-pixel scales with stable intensity and fine motion control. The testbed enables realistic validation of detector performance on science-like images, which aids mission design and survey strategy, as well as targeted investigations of various detector effects.

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arXiv2018

What if LIGO's gravitational wave detections are strongly lensed by massive galaxy clusters?

Motivated by the preponderance of so-called "heavy black holes" in the binary black hole (BBH) gravitational wave (GW) detections to date, and the role that gravitational lensing continues to play in discovering new galaxy populations, we explore the possibility that the GWs are strongly-lensed by massive galaxy clusters. For example, if one of the GW sources were actually located at $z=1$, then the rest-frame mass of the associated BHs would be reduced by a factor $\sim2$. Based on the known populations of BBH GW sources and strong-lensing clusters, we estimate a conservative lower limit on the number of BBH mergers detected per detector year at LIGO/Virgo's current sensitivity that are multiply-imaged, of $R_{\rm detect}\simeq10^{-5}{\rm yr}^{-1}$. This is equivalent to rejecting the hypothesis that one of the BBH GWs detected to date was multiply-imaged at $<\sim4σ$. It is therefore unlikely but not impossible that one of the GWs is multiply-imaged. We identify three spectroscopically confirmed strong-lensing clusters with well constrained mass models within the $90\%$ credible sky localisations of the BBH GWs from LIGO's first observing run. In the event that one of these clusters multiply-imaged one of the BBH GWs, we predict that $20-60\%$ of the putative next appearances of the GWs would be detectable by LIGO, and that they would arrive at Earth within three years of first detection.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2017

Scientific Synergy Between LSST and Euclid

Euclid and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) are poised to dramatically change the astronomy landscape early in the next decade. The combination of high cadence, deep, wide-field optical photometry from LSST with high resolution, wide-field optical photometry and near-infrared photometry and spectroscopy from Euclid will be powerful for addressing a wide range of astrophysical questions. We explore Euclid/LSST synergy, ignoring the political issues associated with data access to focus on the scientific, technical, and financial benefits of coordination. We focus primarily on dark energy cosmology, but also discuss galaxy evolution, transient objects, solar system science, and galaxy cluster studies. We concentrate on synergies that require coordination in cadence or survey overlap, or would benefit from pixel-level co-processing that is beyond the scope of what is currently planned, rather than scientific programs that could be accomplished only at the catalog level without coordination in data processing or survey strategies. We provide two quantitative examples of scientific synergies: the decrease in photo-z errors (benefitting many science cases) when high resolution Euclid data are used for LSST photo-z determination, and the resulting increase in weak lensing signal-to-noise ratio from smaller photo-z errors. We briefly discuss other areas of coordination, including high performance computing resources and calibration data. Finally, we address concerns about the loss of independence and potential cross-checks between the two missions and potential consequences of not collaborating.

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arXiv2017

Dark matter dynamics in Abell 3827: new data consistent with standard Cold Dark Matter

We present integral field spectroscopy of galaxy cluster Abell 3827, using ALMA and VLT/MUSE. It reveals an unusual configuration of strong gravitational lensing in the cluster core, with at least seven lensed images of a single background spiral galaxy. Lens modelling based on HST imaging had suggested that the dark matter associated with one of the cluster's central galaxies may be offset. The new spectroscopic data enable better subtraction of foreground light, and better identification of multiple background images. The inferred distribution of dark matter is consistent with being centered on the galaxies, as expected by LCDM. Each galaxy's dark matter also appears to be symmetric. Whilst we do not find an offset between mass and light (suggestive of self-interacting dark matter) as previously reported, the numerical simulations that have been performed to calibrate Abell 3827 indicate that offsets and asymmetry are still worth looking for in collisions with particular geometries. Meanwhile, ALMA proves exceptionally useful for strong lens image identifications.

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arXiv2017

Theia: Faint objects in motion or the new astrometry frontier

In the context of the ESA M5 (medium mission) call we proposed a new satellite mission, Theia, based on relative astrometry and extreme precision to study the motion of very faint objects in the Universe. Theia is primarily designed to study the local dark matter properties, the existence of Earth-like exoplanets in our nearest star systems and the physics of compact objects. Furthermore, about 15 $\%$ of the mission time was dedicated to an open observatory for the wider community to propose complementary science cases. With its unique metrology system and "point and stare" strategy, Theia's precision would have reached the sub micro-arcsecond level. This is about 1000 times better than ESA/Gaia's accuracy for the brightest objects and represents a factor 10-30 improvement for the faintest stars (depending on the exact observational program). In the version submitted to ESA, we proposed an optical (350-1000nm) on-axis TMA telescope. Due to ESA Technology readiness level, the camera's focal plane would have been made of CCD detectors but we anticipated an upgrade with CMOS detectors. Photometric measurements would have been performed during slew time and stabilisation phases needed for reaching the required astrometric precision.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2017

A test for skewed distributions of dark matter and a possible detection in galaxy cluster Abell 3827

Simulations of self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) predict that dark matter should lag behind galaxies during a collision. If the interaction is mediated by a high-mass force carrier, the distribution of dark matter can also develop asymmetric dark matter tails. To search for this asymmetry, we compute the gravitational lensing properties of a mass distribution with a free {\em skewness} parameter. We apply this to the dark matter around the four central galaxies in cluster Abell~3827. In the galaxy whose dark matter peak has previously been found to be offset, we tentatively measure a skewness $s=0.23^{+0.05}_{-0.22}$ in the same direction as the peak offset. Our method may be useful in future gravitational lensing analyses of colliding galaxy clusters and merging galaxies.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2017

Cosmic particle colliders: simulations of self-interacting dark matter with anisotropic scattering

We investigate how self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) with anisotropic scattering affects the evolution of isolated dark matter haloes as well as systems with two colliding haloes. For isolated haloes, we find that the evolution can be adequately captured by treating the scattering as isotropic, as long as the isotropic cross-section is appropriately matched to the underlying anisotropic model. We find that this matching should not be done using the momentum transfer cross-section, as has been done previously. Matching should instead be performed via a modified momentum transfer cross-section that takes into account that dark matter particles can be relabelled after they scatter, without altering the dynamics. However, using cross-sections that are matched to give the same behaviour in isolated haloes, we find that treating dark matter scattering as isotropic under-predicts the effects of anisotropic dark matter scattering when haloes collide. In particular, the DM-galaxy offset induced by SIDM in colliding galaxy clusters is larger when we simulate the underlying particle model, than if we use a matched isotropic model. On the other hand, well motivated particle models with anisotropic scattering typically have cross-sections with a strong velocity dependence, and we discover a previously unrecognised effect that suppresses DM-galaxy offsets in colliding clusters making it hard for these systems to provide competitive constraints on such particle models.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2017

Thermal, Structural, and Optical Analysis of a Balloon-Based Imaging System

The Subarcsecond Telescope And BaLloon Experiment, STABLE, is the fine stage of a guidance system for a high-altitude ballooning platform designed to demonstrate subarcsecond pointing stability, over one minute using relatively dim guide stars in the visible spectrum. The STABLE system uses an attitude rate sensor and the motion of the guide star on a detector to control a Fast Steering Mirror in order to stabilize the image. The characteristics of the thermal-optical-mechanical elements in the system directly affect the quality of the point spread function of the guide star on the detector, and so, a series of thermal, structural, and optical models were built to simulate system performance and ultimately inform the final pointing stability predictions. This paper describes the modeling techniques employed in each of these subsystems. The results from those models are discussed in detail, highlighting the development of the worst-case cold and hot cases, the optical metrics generated from the finite element model, and the expected STABLE residual wavefront error and decenter. Finally, the paper concludes with the predicted sensitivities in the STABLE system, which show that thermal deadbanding, structural preloading and self-deflection under different loading conditions, and the speed of individual optical elements were particularly important to the resulting STABLE optical performance.

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arXiv2017

What does the Bullet Cluster tell us about self-interacting dark matter?

We perform numerical simulations of the merging galaxy cluster 1E 0657-56 (the Bullet Cluster), including the effects of elastic dark matter scattering. In a similar manner to the stripping of gas by ram pressure, dark matter self-interactions would transfer momentum between the two galaxy cluster dark matter haloes, causing them to lag behind the collisionless galaxies. The absence of an observed separation between the dark matter and stellar components in the Bullet Cluster has been used to place upper limits on the cross-section for dark matter scattering. We emphasise the importance of analysing simulations in an observationally-motivated manner, finding that the way in which the positions of the various components are measured can have a larger impact on derived constraints on dark matter's self-interaction cross-section than reasonable changes to the initial conditions for the merger. In particular, we find that the methods used in previous studies to place some of the tightest constraints on this cross-section do not reflect what is done observationally, and overstate the Bullet Cluster's ability to constrain the particle properties of dark matter. We introduce the first simulations of the Bullet Cluster including both self-interacting dark matter and gas. We find that as the gas is stripped it introduces radially-dependent asymmetries into the stellar and dark matter distributions. As the techniques used to determine the positions of the dark matter and galaxies are sensitive to different radial scales, these asymmetries can lead to erroneously measured offsets between dark matter and galaxies even when they are spatially coincident.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2017

A gravitationally-boosted MUSE survey for emission-line galaxies at z>~5 behind the massive cluster RCS 0224

We present a VLT/MUSE survey of lensed high-redshift galaxies behind the z=0.77 cluster RCS0224-0002. We study the detailed internal properties of a highly magnified (μ~29) z=4.88 galaxy seen through the cluster. We detect wide-spread nebular CIVλλ1548,1551Å emission from this galaxy as well as a bright Lyα halo with a spatially-uniform wind and absorption profile across 12 kpc in the image plane. Blueshifted high- and low-ionisation interstellar absorption indicate the presence of a high-velocity outflow (Δv~300 km/s) from the galaxy. Unlike similar observations of galaxies at z=2-3, the Lyα emission from the halo emerges close to the systemic velocity - an order of magnitude lower in velocity offset than predicted in "shell"-like outflow models. To explain these observations we favour a model of an outflow with a strong velocity gradient, which changes the effective column density seen by the Lyα photons. We also search for high-redshift Lyα emitters and identify 14 candidates between z=4.8-6.6, including an over-density at z=4.88, of which only one has a detected counterpart in HST/ACS+WFC3 imaging.

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arXiv2017

Self-Interacting Dark Matter Scattering Rates Through Cosmic Time

We estimate the rate of dark matter scattering in collapsed structures throughout the history of the Universe. If the scattering cross-section is velocity-independent, then the canonical picture is correct that scatterings occur mainly at late times. The scattering rate peaks slightly at redshift z~6, and remains significant today. Half the scatterings occur after z~1, in structures more massive than 10^12 M_sun. Within a factor of two, these numbers are robust to changes in the assumed astrophysics, and the scatterings would be captured in cosmological simulations. However, for particle physics models with a velocity-dependent cross-section (as for Yukawa potential interactions via a massive mediator), the scattering rate peaks before z~20, in objects with mass less than 10^4 M_sun. These precise values are sensitive to the redshift-dependent mass-concentration relation and the small-scale cutoff in the matter power spectrum. In extreme cases, the qualitative effect of early interactions may be reminiscent of warm dark matter and strongly affect the subsequent growth of structure. However, these scatterings are being missed in existing cosmological simulations with limited mass resolution.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2016

Looking for dark matter trails in colliding galaxy clusters

If dark matter interacts, even weakly, via non-gravitational forces, simulations predict that it will be preferentially scattered towards the trailing edge of the halo during collisions between galaxy clusters. This will temporarily create a non-symmetric mass profile, with a trailing over-density along the direction of motion. To test this hypothesis, we fit (and subtract) symmetric halos to the weak gravitational data of 72 merging galaxy clusters observed with the Hubble Space Telescope. We convert the shear directly into excess κ and project in to a one dimensional profile. We generate numerical simulations and find that the one dimensional profile is well described with simple Gaussian approximations. We detect the weak lensing signal of trailing gas at a 4σ confidence, finding a mean gas fraction of Mgas/Mdm = 0.13 +/- 0.035. We find no evidence for scattered dark matter particles with a estimated scattering fraction of f = 0.03 +/- 0.05. Finally we find that if we can reduce the statistical error on the positional estimate of a single dark matter halo to <2.5", then we will be able to detect a scattering fraction of 10% at the 3σ level with current surveys. This poten- tially interesting new method can provide an important independent test for other complimentary studies of the self-interaction cross-section of dark matter.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2016

Cosmology and Fundamental Physics with the Euclid Satellite

Euclid is a European Space Agency medium class mission selected for launch in 2020 within the Cosmic Vision 2015 2025 program. The main goal of Euclid is to understand the origin of the accelerated expansion of the universe. Euclid will explore the expansion history of the universe and the evolution of cosmic structures by measuring shapes and redshifts of galaxies as well as the distribution of clusters of galaxies over a large fraction of the sky. Although the main driver for Euclid is the nature of dark energy, Euclid science covers a vast range of topics, from cosmology to galaxy evolution to planetary research. In this review we focus on cosmology and fundamental physics, with a strong emphasis on science beyond the current standard models. We discuss five broad topics: dark energy and modified gravity, dark matter, initial conditions, basic assumptions and questions of methodology in the data analysis. This review has been planned and carried out within Euclid's Theory Working Group and is meant to provide a guide to the scientific themes that will underlie the activity of the group during the preparation of the Euclid mission.

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