معرفی
Alexey Vikhlinin is a Lecturer and SAO Astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), where he serves as Deputy Associate Director of the High Energy Astrophysics Division. His research focuses on X-ray observations of galaxy clusters to advance cosmological models and understand intergalactic medium physics. Key projects include the 160/400d cluster surveys, studies of cluster mergers via Chandra, and collaborations with the South Pole Telescope team.
Education
- 1993: M.S. in Space Physics (summa cum laude), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.
- 1995: Ph.D. in Astronomy, Institute for Space Research, Moscow.
- 2003: Doctor of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences.
Research Focus
Vikhlinin investigates galaxy clusters as cosmological probes, specializing in X-ray mass determinations, dark energy constraints via cluster mass function evolution, and intracluster gas dynamics. His work integrates multi-wavelength data (X-ray, optical, SZ) and numerical simulations to refine cluster mass calibrations and baryonic physics models.
Publications & Collaborations
His recent articles (2009–2010) emphasize cluster cosmology, X-ray survey methodologies, and gravitational physics. Trends include mass function evolution, modified gravity tests, and multi-telescope data fusion (Chandra, INTEGRAL, MMT). He co-leads the science definition for Lynx, a next-generation X-ray observatory.
Awards
- Zeldovich Medal (COSPAR, 2004)
- State Prize of the Russian Federation (2003)
- Rossi Prize (AAS, 2008; shared for cluster cosmology and cold front discoveries)
