Abstract
Abstract The time evolution of the ionization state of metals in cosmic baryons is considered in a cosmological context without the assumption of ionization equilibrium. We find that a significant fraction of ionized oxygen (O VII and O VIII) in a warm–hot intergalactic medium (WHIM) is not in the ionization equilibrium state at a redshift of $z \simeq0 $. We also investigate the effect on the detectability and observables of WHIM as a consequence of such a deviation from ionization equilibrium. It is found that the detectability of WHIM is not altered very much both through its emission and absorption signatures, but the line ratios between O VII and O VIII are significantly different from those in the ionization equilibrium state.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
