Measuring the Hubble Constant with the Sunyaev-Zel’dovich Effect

Combined with X-ray imaging and spectral data, observations of the Sunyaev-Zel’dovich effect (SZE) can be used to determine direct distances to galaxy clusters. These distances are independent of the extragalactic distance ladder and do not rely on clusters being standard candles or rulers. Observations of the SZE have progressed from upper limits to high signal-to-noise ratio detections and imaging of the SZE. SZE/X-ray determined distances to galaxy clusters are beginning to trace out the theoretical angular-diameter distance relation. The current ensemble of 41 SZE/X-ray distances to galaxy clusters imply a Hubble constant of H0 ≈ 61±3±18 km s−1 Mpc−1, where the uncertainties are statistical followed by systematic at 68% confidence. With a sample of high-redshift galaxy clusters, SZE/X-ray distances can be used to measure the geometry of the Universe.