First multi-redshift limits on post-Epoch of Reionization (post-EoR) 21 cm signal from z = 1.96 - 3.58 using uGMRT

Abstract

Measurement of fluctuations in diffuse HI 21 cm background radiation from the post-reionization epoch (z < 6) is a promising avenue to probe the large-scale structure of the Universe and understand the evolution of galaxies. We observe the European Large-Area ISO Survey-North 1 (ELAIS-N1) field at 300-500 MHz using the upgraded Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) and employ the 'foreground avoidance' technique to estimate the HI 21 cm power spectrum in the redshift range z = 1.96-3.58. Given the possible systematics that may remain in the data, we find the most stringent upper limits on the spherically averaged 21 cm power spectra at k~1.0 Mpc${}^{-1}$ are (58.87 mK)${}^2$, (61.49 mK)${}^2$, (60.89 mK)${}^2$, (105.85 mK)${}^2$ at z = 1.96,2.19,2.62 and 3.58, respectively. We use this to constrain the product of neutral HI mass density (Omega_HI) and HI bias (b_HI) to the underlying dark matter density field, [Omega_HI*b_HI], as 0.09,0.11,0.12,0.24 at z=1.96,2.19,2.62,3.58, respectively. To the best of our knowledge these are the first limits on the HI 21 cm power spectra at the redshift range z = 1.96 - 3.58 and would play a significant role to constrain the models of galaxy formation and evolution.

Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters (APJL)

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• Towards $21$-cm intensity mapping at $z=2.28$ with uGMRT using the tapered gridded estimator III: Foreground removal
• Towards $21$-cm intensity mapping at $z=2.28$ with uGMRT using the tapered gridded estimator II: Cross-polarization power spectrum
• A Comparative Analysis To Deal With Missing Spectral Information Caused By RFI In Cosmological HI 21CM Observations
• Large HI optical depth and Redshifted 21-cm signal from cosmic dawn