CHORUS. IV. Mapping the Spatially Inhomogeneous Cosmic Reionization with Subaru HSC

Abstract

Abstract Spatial inhomogeneity is one of the important features for understanding the reionization process; however, it has not yet been fully quantified. To map this inhomogeneous distribution, we simultaneously detect Lyα emitters (LAEs) and Lyman-break galaxies (LBGs) at z ∼ 6.6 from the Subaru/Hyper Suprime-Cam large-area (∼1.5 deg2 = 34,000 cMpc2) deep survey. We estimate the neutral fraction, x HI, from the observed number density ratio of LAEs to LBGs, n(LAE)/n(LBG), using numerical radiative transfer simulations, in which model galaxies are selected to satisfy the observed selection function. While the average x HI within the field of view is found to be x HI < 0.4, which is consistent with previous studies, the variation of n(LAE)/n(LBG) within the field of view for every 140 pMpc2 area is found to be as large as a factor of 3. This may suggest a spatially inhomogeneous topology of reionization, but it also leaves open the possibility that the variation is based on the inherent large-scale structure of the galaxy distribution. Based on the simulations, it may be difficult to distinguish between the two from the current survey. We also find that LAEs in the high-LAE-density region are more numerous at high EW0, supporting the fact that the observed n(LAE)/n(LBG) is more or less driven by the neutral fraction, though the statistical significance is not high.