paper

Self-similarity of the mass distribution in rich galaxy clusters up z~1 tracked with weak lensing

arXiv:2503.15605 · doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202553989

Abstract

In the standard theory of growth of the nonbaryonic dark matter, cosmic structures form hierarchically and self-similarly from smaller clumps. The assembly merger tree goes from the linear perturbations in the early universe to highly non linear structures at late times. Gravity is the driving force and self-similarity should inform cosmic haloes. However, it is unclear if apparent anomalies at non-linear scales are due to either baryonic or new physics. Here, I show that the mass distribution of rich haloes evolve self-similarly at least since the universe was 5.7 Gyr old. Using gravitational weak lensing, I constrain the mass profiles of galaxy clusters with M_200c >~ 2 x 10^14 M_Sun that were optically detected in the HSC-SSP survey in the redshift range 0.2 <= z < 1.0. Cluster self-similarity confirms the standard theory of growth in the non-linear regime. Clusters are still growing but neither violent mergers nor matter slowly falling in from the cosmic web disrupt self-similarity, which is in place well before the halo formation time. Dark matter growth can fit the fossil cosmic microwave background as well as young, very massive haloes. Looking with next generation surveys at scales in clusters where self-similarity breaks could pose a new challenge to dark matter.

arXiv comment10 pages; in press on A&A

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