Probing dynamical-dark energy with galaxy clusters

Observational evidence has been accumulated over the past two decades that points toward a "concordance" cosmological model. While this standard model rests on the basis of General Relativity, the large-scale dynamics of the Universe seems to be dominated today by some form of dark energy. Understanding the nature and evolution of this mysterious fluid is among the main quests for contemporary
astrophysics, cosmology and particle physics. One of the most promising ways to reach this purpose is through the study of structure formation in the Universe, that is significantly influenced by dark energy. I will show how the spatial distribution of galaxy clusters, the most massive structures in the Universe, is affected by the presence of dark energy, with especial focus on the possible detection of this effect with future X-ray and Sunyaev-Zel'dovich surveys. I will also show that the abundance of galaxy clusters, probed through the strong gravitational lensing statistics, can validate particular dark energy models.

C. Fedeli

University of Bologna