CMB-induced cluster polarization as a cosmological probe

Scattering of the temperature anisotropy quadrupole by free electrons in galaxy clusters leads to a secondary polarization signal in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) fluctuations. At low redshifts, the temperature quadrupole contains a significant contribution from the integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect associated with the growth of density fluctuations. Using polarization data from a sample of clusters over a wide range in redshift, one can statistically establish the presence of the ISW effect and determine its redshift evolution. Given the strong dependence of the ISW effect on the background cosmology, cluster polarization can eventually be used as a powerful probe of dark energy. As a further application, we also discuss how it might be used to understand the potential lack of power on large scales. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.