Limits on the cosmic infrared background from clustering in COBE/DIRBE maps

Abstract

We discuss a new method of estimating the cosmic infrared background (CIB) from the spatial properties of infrared maps and give the limits on the CIB from applying it to the COBE/DIRBE maps. The strongest limits are obtained at mid- to far-IR where foregrounds are bright, but smooth. If the CIB comes from matter clustered like galaxies, the smoothness of the maps implies CIB levels less than $\sim$(10-15) nW/m$^2$/sr over this wavelength range.

5 pages plain LATeX, no figures, no tables. Talk given at "Diffuse Infrared Radiation and the IRTS" conference, Kanagawa, Japan, November 1996