Project Details
Projekt
The DESI Lyman-alpha data: first analysis and constraints on neutrinos and Dark Matter
Subject Area
Astrophysics and Astronomy
Term
since 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 505561742
With the advent of new-generation optical surveys dedicated to cosmology, a major step forward can be taken on fundamental questions at the frontier between particle physics and cosmology, none the least being the unknown values of the neutrino masses and the nature of dark matter (DM). The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument DESI is now providing Lyman-alpha (Lya) forest data of unprecedented statistics and quality, at redshifts from 2 to 5 that are ideal to probe these two questions. The DESI-Lya project will be three-fold. One component will be devoted to theoretical developments to optimize the detection of a signal from neutrino masses in the Lya forest and model the impact of DM models on the observables. Another component will optimize analyses of DESI Lya data using both 1D and novel 3D measurements to reach the required accuracy on the scales and redshifts of interest for this project. Finally, to link these two components, we will develop new tools for the interpretation of the Lya data using emulators and optimized hydrodynamical simulations. These components combined should lead to an unprecedented strong and robust constraint on neutrino masses from Lya data (or to a significant hint of a detection), as well as new views on DM scenarios (warm, axion-like or interacting DM).
DFG Programme
Research Grants
International Connection
France
Partner Organisation
Agence Nationale de la Recherche / The French National Research Agency
Cooperation Partner
Dr. Eric Armengaud
