The Baryon Distribution in Galaxy Clusters and Groups; A New Look with the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Array

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AST-0507545MillerThis project will make the first measurement of Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect (SZE) scaling relations, using a sample of both rich clusters and groups of galaxies to progress toward a resolution of a long-standing problem in structure formation. Observations suggest that supernova or AGN heating and gas cooling are significant for the formation of clusters and groups of galaxies. The SZE is a unique way to probe high-redshift low-density objects, complementary to observations of the X-ray luminosity. This is new and exciting science, from a modest research effort leveraged on existing investment in a nearly-completed interferometric array of telescopes, the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Array (SZA). Two cluster samples with measured central SZE decrement and total integrated decrement will constrain the linkage of X-ray luminosity to baryon depletion or to increased gas entropy. Understanding the relationship between cluster observables and cluster mass is invaluable for using clusters as cosmological probes.This project primarily supports a graduate student, already involved in construction and deployment of the SZA, to pursue related thesis work and to continue an established relationship between the university laboratory and a local high school teacher and her students.