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SLICK + CAMELS: From Subgrid Physics to Observable Emission
How robust are our predictions for the line-emitting Universe when the underlying assumptions about galaxy formation change?
Cosmological simulations rely on subgrid prescriptions for unresolved processes such as stellar and black-hole feedback. Those choices shape the properties of galaxies and their gas—and can therefore change the emission lines we expect to observe.
Why CAMELS?
CAMELS (Cosmology and Astrophysics with MachinE Learning Simulations) provides suites of simulations that vary cosmological and astrophysical parameters. This makes it possible to explore how predictions respond to model assumptions rather than treating a single simulation as the only plausible Universe.
For line-emission science, the challenge is to translate those variations into observable quantities while preserving sensitivity to the underlying gas physics.
What the Combination Makes Possible
Trace model variations into line emission
Applying SLICK across CAMELS simulations could reveal how changes in feedback and other galaxy-formation prescriptions affect CO and additional atomic or ionized-gas tracers.
Quantify astrophysical uncertainty
Instead of producing predictions from a single preferred simulation, we can examine the range of emission-line outcomes associated with different subgrid models.
Identify informative observables
Comparing line luminosities, ratios, luminosity functions, and potentially LIM statistics could help identify which measurements best distinguish between physical models.
Build toward robust inference
A longer-term objective is to use physically informed emission predictions in inference pipelines that account for uncertainty in galaxy formation and the ISM.
An Important Practical Challenge
CAMELS boxes are relatively small compared with the volumes relevant for many large-scale LIM measurements. This limits access to the largest clustering modes and requires care when interpreting power spectra or survey forecasts. The project therefore aims to separate what can be learned reliably from small-volume comparisons from what needs larger-volume simulations.
Current Direction
This is an ongoing research direction focused on connecting SLICK to varied galaxy-formation models. Potential products include comparative line-emission predictions and, eventually, reusable simulated datasets for LIM studies. These are planned outcomes rather than completed public releases.