Program: GN-2010B-C-9

Title:The most luminous z=6 galaxies
PI:Chris Willott
Co-I(s): Ross McLure, Pascale Hibon, Jean-Paul Kneib, Henry McCracken

Abstract

We have carried out a search for Lyman break galaxies at 5.9<z<6.5 using wide-field optical and near-IR imaging data from the CFHTLS, SXDS, WIRDS and UKIDSS UDS. This survey is 8x larger in area than previous surveys thereby providing the largest sample of high quality LBG candidates at the bright end of the luminosity function. We request GMOS spectroscopy with the upgraded GMOS detectors to determine redshifts for the galaxies from Lyman alpha emission and/or continuum breaks. These spectra will be used to define the selection efficiency and volume probed to obtain the best determination of the bright end of the z=6 galaxy luminosity function. Each slit mask will also contain ~20 4<z<6 galaxies. The observed evolution in the bright end from z=4 to z=6 will be compared with models which take into account galaxy assembly plus changes in star formation efficiency and AGN feedback. The spectra will be used to measure UV continuum shapes and the frequency of Lyman alpha emission lines which both depend upon the dust content. We will also study the frequency of AGN in luminous LBGs, extended Lyman alpha emission and the range of masses, ages and star formation rates.

Publications using this program's data