Observational Signatures of the First Quasars

Details Observational Signatures of the First Quasars Observational Signatures of the First Quasars

1997-10-20

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9710208v1

Astrophys.J. 503 (1998) 505

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

28 pages, latex, 9 figures included, submitted to ApJ

Scientific paper

10.1086/306017

We study the observational signatures of a potential population of low-luminosity quasars at high redshifts in a LambdaCDM cosmology. We derive the evolution of the quasar luminosity function at fainter luminosities and higher redshifts than currently detected, based on three assumptions: (1) the formation of dark-matter halos follows the Press-Schechter theory, (2) the ratio of central black hole mass to halo mass is the same for all halos, and (3) the light-curve of quasars, in Eddington units, is universal. We show that a universal light-curve provides an excellent fit to the observed quasar luminosity function at redshifts 2.6 < z < 4.5. By extrapolating the evolution of this luminosity function to higher redshifts (4.5 < z < 20), we find that the associated early population of low-luminosity quasars reionizes the universe around redshift z=12. The reprocessing of the UV light of these quasars by dust from early type II supernovae, distorts the microwave background spectrum by a Compton y-parameter, y = 1e-5, comparable to the upper limit set by COBE. The Next Generation Space Telescope could detect tens of quasars from redshifts z > 10 per square arcminute, with its proposed 1nJy sensitivity at 1-3.5 microns. Absorption spectra of several such quasars would reveal the reionization history of the universe.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Observational Signatures of the First Quasars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Observational Signatures of the First Quasars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Observational Signatures of the First Quasars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-152300