Gaussian Halo Mass Function and Non-Spherical Collapse Model

Predicting the cosmic mass distribution of dark matter halos is a central problem in modern cosmology. The knowledge of this function is key to understanding the formation of the visible structures in the Universe. Numerical N-body simulations have been the primary tool for studying the properties of dark matter halos. Pier Stefano Corasaniti and Ixandra Achitouv from LUTH (CNRS, Observatoire de Paris & Université Paris Diderot) have tackled this challenge by developing a mathematical model in which the evolution of the matter density in halos resembles the time sequence of stock prices. Using a path-integral formulation of this stochastic model the researchers have derived a mathematical formula of the halo mass function which reproduces that inferred from N-body simulations with unprecedented accuracy. The results are published in a letter in the June edition of Physical Review Letter and an article in press on Physical Review D.

 

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