Advancing Emission Line Intensity Mapping: Methodologies, Models, and Instrumentation

Emission line intensity mapping (LIM) is a powerful tool for exploring the evolution of the Universe. Unlike traditional galaxy surveys that require individual galaxies to be individually detected and resolved, the LIM method is sensitive to the cumulative flux in a voxel defined by an instrument’s spatial resolution and spectral resolving power. This approach allows for the detection of sources of all brightness, making intensity mapping particularly advantageous for observing faint or extended objects. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of LIM to perform tomographic statistical surveys that are sensitive to both the growth of cosmic large-scale structure (LSS) and galaxy formation and evolution.

This research topic aims to collect, promote and disseminate cutting-edge findings in the theoretical frameworks, data processing techniques, and instrumentation innovations relevant to LIM. It serves as a critical hub for scholarly exchange, aiming to consolidate current understanding and foster advancements in the utilization of LIM for probing large-scale cosmic structures and understanding galactic phenomena through the dynamics of galaxy formation and evolution. A pivotal focus will be on the methodological finesse required to mitigate instrumental noise and minimize contamination from foreground sources.

To enrich our understanding of the cosmos through line intensity mapping, this call for submissions seeks contributions that cover, but are not limited to, the following thematic areas:

• Investigation of the astrophysics and models for different emission lines (e.g., 21cm, Lyman-alpha, H-alpha, [OIII], [OII], [CII], CO, etc.)
• LIM methodology, observations, and results
• Instrument concept, predictions, and results
• Applications of LIM in exploring the formation of cosmic structure, the epoch of reionization/Cosmic Dawn, galaxy formation and evolution, and exotic physical processes.

We welcome all article types: Brief Research Report, Data Report, General Commentary, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Technology and Code.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Technology and Code

Keywords: intensity mapping, cosmic large-scale structure, epoch of reionization, 21cm, galaxy formation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.