Cosmology with Sunyaev-Zeldovich observations from space

Abstract

In order to assess the potential of future microwave anisotropy space experiments for detecting clusters by their Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) thermal effect, we have simulated maps of the large scale distribution of their Compton parameter $y$ and of the temperature anisotropy $ΔT/T$ induced by their proper motion. Our model is based on a predicted distribution of clusters per unit redshift and flux density using a Press-Schecter approach. These maps were used to create simulated microwave sky by adding them to the microwave contributions of the emissions of our Galaxy and the primary Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) anisotropies. In order to simulate measurements representative of what current technology should achieve, ``observations'' were performed according to the instrumental characteristics of the COBRAS/SAMBA space mission. We then analyzed the resulting $y$ and $ΔT/T$ maps which now include both the primary anisotropies and those superimposed due to cluster motions.