Robust exploration of patchy reionization

Abstract: The Epoch of Reionization (EoR) marks a pivotal cosmic era when the first galaxies formed and their energetic radiation ionized and heated the intergalactic medium (IGM). Understanding this period is key to unraveling the astrophysical processes that governed early galaxy formation and shaped subsequent cosmic evolution. The 21-cm signal from neutral hydrogen serves as a powerful probe of reionization. I will present our latest results from the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR), including improved upper limits at redshifts 8.3, 9.1, and 10.1 derived from 141 hours of observations. These constraints provide valuable insights into the timeline and topology of reionization, while highlighting the observational challenges in detecting this faint signal. Additionally, I will introduce a novel approach to map large-scale ionization structures using Lyman-α forest transmission data. This complementary technique offers new perspectives on the late stages of reionization and its connection to galaxy formation. Together, these methods provide a comprehensive framework for studying the complex interplay between early galaxies and the IGM during this transformative cosmic epoch.