The XXL Survey XXV. Cosmological analysis of the C1 cluster number counts


Abstract in English

Context. We present an estimation of cosmological parameters with clusters of galaxies. Aims. We constrain the $Omega_m$, $sigma_8$, and $w$ parameters from a stand-alone sample of X-ray clusters detected in the 50 deg$^2$ XMM-XXL survey with a well-defined selection function. Methods. We analyse the redshift distribution of a sample comprising 178 high S/N clusters out to a redshift of unity. The cluster sample scaling relations are determined in a self-consistent manner. Results. In a lambda cold dark matter ($Lambda$CDM) model, the cosmology favoured by the XXL clusters compares well with results derived from the Planck S-Z clusters for a totally different sample (mass/redshift range, selection biases, and scaling relations). However, with this preliminary sample and current mass calibration uncertainty, we find no inconsistency with the Planck CMB cosmology. If we relax the $w$ parameter, the Planck CMB uncertainties increase by a factor of $sim$10 and become comparable with those from XXL clusters. Combining the two probes allows us to put constraints on $Omega_m$=0.316$pm$0.060, $sigma_8$=0.814$pm$0.054, and $w$=-1.02$pm$0.20. Conclusions. This first self-consistent cosmological analysis of a sample of serendipitous XMM clusters already provides interesting insights into the constraining power of the XXL survey. Subsequent analysis will use a larger sample extending to lower confidence detections and include additional observable information, potentially improving posterior uncertainties by roughly a factor of 3.

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