Project Leda

Highlights

Probing the dark matter distribution on scales of a few hundred parsecs requires a high angular resolution of a few milli-arcseconds. Currently, this is only provided by interferometric arrays at cm and mm-wavelengths. In order to analyse this type of data, this ERC-funded group has developed a new lens modelling code that fits the data directly in the visibility space. By applying our technique to milli-arcsecond angular-resolution data taken with the Global Very Long Baseline Interferometer network we have set competitive limits on Fuzzy dark matter. Currently, we are derving, from the same data, constraints on the halo mass and subhalo mass function. At the same time, we have developed a lens modelling code that allows us to simultaneously and self-consistently constrain the polarised properties of the lensed source, the mass distribution of the lens and the magnetic-ionic properties of its ISM.


Members

Simona Vegetti
Simon Ndiritu
Devon Powell
Hannah Stacey


Publications


A self-consistent framework to study magnetic fields with strong gravitational lensing and polarised radio sources.
Ndiritu et al. (2024), MNRAS, submitted

Complex angular structure of three elliptical galaxies from high-resolution ALMA observations of strong gravitational lenses.
Stacey et al. (2024), A&A, in print

Strong gravitational lensing as a probe of dark matter.
Vegetti et al. (2024), Space Science Reviews, 220, 58

A lensed radio jet at milli-arcsecond resolution - II. Constraints on fuzzy dark matter from an extended gravitational arc.
Powell et. al (2023), MNRAS, 524, 84

A lensed radio jet at milliarcsecond resolution I: Bayesian comparison of parametric lens models.
Powell et. al (2022), MNRAS, 516, 1808

A novel approach to visibility-space modelling of interferometric gravitational lens observations at high angular resolution.
Powell et. al (2021), MNRAS, 501, 515

The rocky road to quiescence: compaction and quenching of quasar host galaxies at z ∼ 2.
Stacey et. al (2020), MNRAS, 500, 3667