Abstract

Contributed Talk - Splinter ALMA2040   (MW-2235)

Gravitational detection of low-mass structure with a next-generation sub-mm interferometer: robust tests of dark matter and black hole mergers in the 2040s

Hannah Stacey
ESO

A fundamental open question in physics is the nature and properties of dark matter. Different dark matter models predict different structure formation on small scales. Strong gravitational lensing is a proven, effective tool for testing dark matter models by measuring the prevalence and properties of low-mass haloes. We argue that a next-generation sub-mm array would overcome the hindrances of other planned facilities, enable the detection of sub-haloes and field haloes below 10^6 solar masses, and enable powerful constraints on dark matter. Furthermore, we show that such an observatory would be sensitive even to globular clusters and rogue black holes - the latter of which can test models of black hole merger timescales through cosmic, particularly in combination with future gravitational wave observatories.