2026ApJ...997...67S -
Astrophys. J., 997, 67 (2026/January-3)
Uncertainty-aware Neural Networks for Fuzzy Dark Matter Model Selection from x_H I_ Measurements.
SOLEIMANPOUR SALMASI B. and HOSSEINI S.M.
Abstract (from CDS):
The nature of dark matter remains a central question in cosmology, with fuzzy dark matter (FDM) models offering a compelling alternative to the cold dark matter paradigm. We explore FDM scenarios by performing 21 cm simulations across a parameter space with fFDM ∈ [0.02, 0.10] and mFDM ∈ [10–24, 10–21] eV, obtaining global neutral hydrogen fractions (x_H I_) for each model. Observational x_H I_ data and associated uncertainties from the James Webb Space Telescope are incorporated by estimating full probability density functions (pdfs) for both x_H I_ and redshift z using Bayesian inference with the No-U-Turn Sampler, yielding non-Gaussian multivariate uncertainty distributions. A hybrid machine learning framework is then trained on these observational pdfs to learn both central values and correlated uncertainties in x_H I_ and z, iteratively refining its parameters in each training epoch through direct incorporation of the multivariate pdfs derived from observational constraints. We then compare the simulation outputs to the machine-learned observational trends to identify the most consistent models. Our results indicate that FDM models with mFDM ≃ 10–22 eV and fFDM ≃ 0.04 best match the current data, while lighter masses are strongly constrained. By integrating simulations and machine learning in an uncertainty-aware framework, this work explores the physics of the early Universe and guides future studies of 21 cm cosmology and reionization.
Abstract Copyright:
© 2026. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.
Journal keyword(s):
Intergalactic medium - James Webb Space Telescope - Neural networks - Bayesian statistics
Simbad objects:
5
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