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Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect
The Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect (SZE) is a signature left in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) by galaxy clusters and other collapsed structures containing baryons.
This signature results from inverse Compton interactions between hot electrons in the galaxy clusters and the low energy photons in the CMB.
These interactions result in a net transfer of energy from the electrons to the photons.
In galaxy clusters SZE results in a small distortion of the CMB spectrum.
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The Interferometric Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect Imaging Experiment uses these signatures to measure the age and geometry of our universe and to better understand the formation of massive structures.
Success hinges upon the development of sensitive cm-wave receivers which we've employed at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, pictured at left,
and Berkeley Illinois Maryland Association radio observatories, and upon the advantages of interferometry over single dish observing.
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For more information, visit our colleagues at The Interferometric Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect Imaging Experiment home page at the University of Chicago.
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SZ Effect