Cosmic Reionization on Computers: Evolution of the Flux Power Spectrum

We explore the evolution of the flux power spectrum in the Cosmic Reionization On Computers simulations. We find that, contrary to some previous studies, the shape of the flux power spectrum is rather insensitive to the timing of reionization. However, the amplitude of the flux power spectrum does strongly evolve with time, and that evolution is almost perfectly correlated with the timing of reionization. We show how such correlation can be used in a (futuristic) measurement to determine the redshift of overlap of ionized bubbles.

Automated summary

We examine the changes in the flux power spectrum in simulations of cosmic reionization. Contrary to previous studies, we find that the shape of the flux power spectrum is not affected by the timing of reionization. However, the amplitude of the flux power spectrum does strongly evolve with time and is highly correlated with the timing of reionization. We demonstrate how this correlation can be utilized to determine the redshift of overlapping ionized bubbles.