We propose to take advantage of the unique capabilities of both SPIRE and SPT to measure for the first time the ..kinetic SZ contribution. to the CMB power spectrum. By doing so we will be able to detect, or severely constrain, a signal arising from the scattering of CMB photons off bubbles of ionized IGM during the epoch of reionization, thus providing a first glimpse of the universe as it emerged from the dark ages. To make this measurement we will map the 100 sq. deg. SPT Deep Field with SPIRE and conduct a joint CMB-style analysis of the SPIRE and SPT maps. The high-precision measurements of the CIB fluctuations provided by SPIRE are essential to isolate of the reionization signal. By adding SPIRE observations to the already-reduced SPT data, we will improve the existing constraints on this signal by an order of magnitude. Comparable constraints on the epoch of reionization are unlikely to come from any other combination of facilities prior to the next generation of 21 cm surveys. The combination of the SPT and proposed SPIRE maps will also enable numerous auxiliary studies.
Publication
Instrument
SPIRE_SpirePhoto_large
Temporal Coverage
2011-11-14T18:50:14Z/2012-05-11T11:47:07Z
Version
SPG v14.1.0
Mission Description
Herschel was launched on 14 May 2009! It is the fourth cornerstone mission in the ESA science programme. With a 3.5 m Cassegrain telescope it is the largest space telescope ever launched. It is performing photometry and spectroscopy in approximately the 55-671 µm range, bridging the gap between earlier infrared space missions and groundbased facilities.
European Space Agency, carlstrom et al., 2012, 'Measuring the Epoch of Reionization', SPG v14.1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-s7fxqp0
