# Constraining the IMF using TeV gamma ray absorption

## 1 Calculating the EBL and constraining the IMF

Semi-analytic merging-tree (SAM) models of galaxy formation incorporate parameterized treatments of astrophysical processes such as gas cooling, star formation, supernovae feedback and dust absorption within the hierarchical structure formation scenario. Using the SAM models developed in Ref. , we can efficiently model the origin of the EBL in a variety of cosmological scenarios in a physical way. We can then use observations to contrain the nature of the IMF and the effects of dust (see  and , hereafter PBSM, for details).

In this contribution we focus on a model set in a flat $`\mathrm{\Lambda }`$CDM universe ($`\mathrm{\Omega }_m=0.4`$, $`\mathrm{\Omega }_\mathrm{\Lambda }=0.6`$), and investigate how the nature of the IMF affects the expected gamma-ray attenuation. We present results using two commonly used forms for the IMF, Scalo  and Salpeter . Our results will primarily constrain the ratio of high mass to low mass stars produced. This quantity is of general interest in the context of understanding supernovae rates, metal production, and high redshift galaxies which are typically identified in the far UV. Note that there is some degeneracy between the effects of the IMF and the wavelength dependence of the dust extinction curve (see PBSM for a description of our treatment of dust).

Figure 1 shows the gamma ray attenuation factor, $`\mathrm{exp}(\tau )`$, from our $`\mathrm{\Lambda }`$CDM models using a Salpeter (solid) and Scalo (dashed) IMF. The optical depth is a function of gamma ray energy, $`\tau (E_\gamma )`$, and is most strongly influenced by the EBL at wavelengths $`\lambda _{EBL}(E_\gamma /\mathrm{TeV})\mu \mathrm{m}`$, where the cross section for pair production is maximized. The numbers next to each pair of curves indicate the redshift of the source, $`z_s`$.

As discussed in detail in PBSM (see figures 2 and 4), the Salpeter IMF produces more high mass stars, thus more ultraviolet light than does the Scalo IMF, and therefore a larger optical depth to $`\text{ }<\text{ }1`$TeV gamma rays. The increased UV light, in addition, produces more $`100\mu `$m light reradiated by dust, and a larger optical depth to $`\text{ }>\text{ }10`$TeV photons. Distant sources ($`z_s\text{ }>\text{ }0.5`$) should provide an interesting probe of the IMF using $`\text{ }<\text{ }1`$TeV gamma ray telescopes. For nearby sources, the excess reradiated light relative to Scalo implies excess gamma ray attenuation at $`E_\gamma \text{ }>\text{ }10`$TeV, the relevant range for ground-based air-shower detectors.

## 2 Conclusions

Gamma ray attenuation at $`E_\gamma \text{ }<\text{ }1`$TeV and $`\text{ }>\text{ }10`$TeV is significantly affected by the IMF, specifically the ratio of high to low mass stars, although there is some degeneracy associated with uncertainties in the modeling of dust absorption and reradiation. Observations of gamma ray absorption below $`1`$TeV for high redshift sources ($`z_s\text{ }>\text{ }0.5`$) and above $`10`$TeV for nearby sources ($`z_s0.03`$) will provide a useful probe of the nature of the IMF and galaxy formation. For more details, including fitting functions of the optical depth of the universe as a function of redshift, cosmology, IMF, and gamma ray energy, see .