Dissertation

X-ray spectroscopy of merging galaxy clusters

This thesis focuses on the X-ray spectral analysis of merging galaxy clusters and the plasma code development for future high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy observations.

Author: Urdampilleta, Aldema I.
Date: 13 November 2019
Links: Thesis in Leiden Repository

This thesis focuses on the X-ray spectral analysis of merging galaxy clusters and the plasma code development for future high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy observations. This work deepens in two different aspects of these merging clusters still under debate: one, the study of the thermal (X-ray shocks) component and its correlation with the non-thermal (radio shocks/relics) component, and two, their metal enrichment history. The first one is crucial to understand how the shocks propagate and heat the ICM as well as to determine the physical association between these two components. The second one aims to contribute to a better knowledge of the metals origin, evolution and distribution in merging clusters, which can reveal important information on the dynamical history of the mergers.