On the Origin of Cusps in Dark Matter Halos

Observed cusps with density profiles $\rho\propto r^{-1}$ or shallower, in the central regions of galaxies, cannot be reproduced in the standard Cold Dark Matter (CDM) picture of hierarchical clustering. Previous claims to the contrary were based on simulations with relatively few particles, and substantial softening. We present simulations with particle numbers an order of magnitude higher, and essentially no softening, and show that typical central density profiles are clearly steeper than $\rho\propto r^{-1}$. The observed shallower profiles may have formed through the smoothing effect of the spiral-in of central black holes in previous merger phases. In addition, we confirm the presence of a temperature inversion in the inner 5 kpc of massive galactic halos, and illustrate its formation as a natural result of the merging of unequal progenitors.