Annu. Rev. Astron. Astrophys. 2011. 49:409-470 Copyright © 2011 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved

Reprinted with kind permission from Annual Reviews, 4139 El Camino Way, Palo Alto, California, USA

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Abstract: Studies of galaxy clusters have proved crucial in helping to establish the standard model of cosmology, with a universe dominated by dark matter and dark energy. A theoretical basis that describes clusters as massive, multi-component, quasi-equilibrium systems is growing in its capability to interpret multi-wavelength observations of expanding scope and sensitivity. We review current cosmological results, including contributions to fundamental physics, obtained from observations of galaxy clusters. These results are consistent with and complementary to those from other methods. We highlight several areas of opportunity for the next few years, and emphasize the need for accurate modeling of survey selection and sources of systematic error. Capitalizing on these opportunities will require a multi-wavelength approach and the application of rigorous statistical frameworks, utilizing the combined strengths of observers, simulators and theorists.

Keywords : eywords: cosmology, dark energy, dark matter, galaxy clusters, intracluster medium, large scale structure

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
• Clusters as Cosmological Probes
• Cosmic Calibration via Simulations
• THEORETICAL BASIS
• LSS and Halo Formation from Inflation
• HALO MODEL DESCRIPTION OF LSS
• ASTROPHYSICAL PROCESSES
• Cosmological Tests with Massive Halos
• HALO COUNTS AND CLUSTERING
• BARYON FRACTION AS A STANDARD QUANTITY
• DISTANCES FROM JOINT X-RAY AND SZ OBSERVATIONS
• ANGULAR THERMAL SZ POWER SPECTRUM
• BULK FLOWS
• Halo Model Calibration via Simulations
• MEASURES OF HALO MASS
• HALO MASS FUNCTION AND CLUSTERING
• INTERNAL HALO STRUCTURE
• From Halos to Clusters: Mass Proxies, Scaling Relations and Projection Effects
• OBSERVABLE SIGNAL LIKELIHOOD FROM MULTIVARIATE SCALING RELATIONS
• From Theory to Practice: Sources of Systematic Error
• SAMPLE SELECTION
• PROJECTION EFFECTS
• Non-Standard Scenarios
• OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUES
• Multiwavelength Measurements of Galaxy Clusters
  • X-RAY OBSERVATIONS
  • OPTICAL AND NEAR INFRARED OBSERVATIONS
  • SZ OBSERVATIONS
  • GRAVITATIONAL LENSING
• Constructing Cluster Catalogs
• X-RAY SURVEYS
• OPTICAL SURVEYS
• SZ SURVEYS
• Mass Measurements and Mass Proxies
• X-RAY MASSES
• OPTICAL MASSES
• LENSING MASSES
• MASS PROXIES
• CURRENT COSMOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS
• Counts and Clustering
• STATISTICAL FRAMEWORK
• LOCAL ABUNDANCE AND EVOLUTION
• SCALING RELATIONS
• MOST MASSIVE CLUSTER TESTS
• CLUSTERING
• Baryon Fractions
• XSZ Distances
• High-Multipole CMB Power Spectrum
• Evolving Dark Energy Models
• OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS
• Dark Matter
• Gravity
• Neutrinos
• OPPORTUNITIES
• Cluster Surveys on the Near and Mid-Term Horizons
• Footprints of Inflation: Primordial Non-Gaussianites
• The Thermodynamics of Cluster Outskirts
• Evolution of Cluster Cores
• Improved Simulations
• MODELING CONSIDERATIONS
• CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES