Constraints on using distributions of inclination angles for high redshift filaments

Free access article

Issue		A&A Volume 391, Number 1, August III 2002


Page(s)		13 - 20
Section		Cosmology
DOI		http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20020792

A&A 391, 13-20 (2002)
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20020792

Constraints on $(\Omega_\mathsf{m},\Omega_\Lambda)$ using distributions of inclination angles for high redshift filaments

M. Weidinger¹, P. Møller², J. P. U. Fynbo², B. Thomsen¹ and M. P. Egholm¹

¹ University of Aarhus, Ny Munkegade, 8000 Århus C, Denmark
² European Southern Observatory, Karl-Schwarzschild-Straße 2, 85748, Garching by München, Germany

(Received 20 February 2002 / Accepted 23 May 2002 )

Abstract
In this paper we present a scale free method to determine the cosmological parameters $(\Omega_{\rm m},\Omega_\Lambda)$ . The method is based on the requirement of isotropy of the distribution of orientations of cosmological filaments. The current structure formation paradigm predicts that the first structures to form are voids and filaments, causing a web-like structure of the matter distribution at high redshifts. Recent observational evidence suggests that the threads, or filaments, of the cosmic web most easily are mapped in Ly $\alpha$ emission. We describe how such a 3D map can be used to constrain the cosmological parameters in a way which, contrary to most other cosmological tests, does not require the use of a standard rod or a standard candle. We perform detailed simulations in order to define the optimal survey parameters for the definition of an observing programme aimed to address this test, and to investigate how statistical and observational errors will influence the results. We conclude that observations should target filaments of comoving size 15-50 Mpc in the redshift range 2-4, and that each filament must be defined by at least four Ly $\alpha$ emitters. Detection of 20 filaments will be sufficient to obtain a result, while 50 filaments will make it possible to place significant new constraints on the values of $\Omega_{\rm m}$ and $\Omega_\Lambda$ permitted by the current supernova observations. In a future paper we study how robust these conclusions are to systematic velocities in the survey box.

Key words: cosmology: theory -- cosmological parameters

Offprint request: M. Weidinger, michaelw@ifa.au.dk

What is OpenURL?

The OpenURL standard is a protocol for transmission of metadata describing the resource that you wish to access. An OpenURL link contains article metadata and directs it to the OpenURL server of your choice. The OpenURL server can provide access to the resource and also offer complementary services (specific search engine, export of references...). The OpenURL link can be generated by different means.

If your librarian has set up your subscription with an OpenURL resolver, OpenURL links appear automatically on the abstract pages.
You can define your own OpenURL resolver with your EDPS Account. In this case your choice will be given priority over that of your library.
You can use an add-on for your browser (Firefox or I.E.) to display OpenURL links on a page (see http://www.openly.com/openurlref/). You should disable this module if you wish to use the OpenURL server that you or your library have defined.