Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004sptz.prop.3241l&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #3241
Physics
Scientific paper
During the last few years, submm and mm surveys and follow-up thereof have revolutionized our view of the high redshift universe by showing that a substantial fraction of star formation and AGN activity at high redshift occurs in luminous dusty galaxies. These objects likely represent a key step in the formation of massive galaxies and pose a crucial challenge for our understanding of galaxy formation and of the co-evolution of spheroids and central black holes. Given their dusty nature, extinction-insensitive tools of rest frame mid-infrared spectroscopy are uniquely suited to provide a deeper understanding of starburst and AGN activity and of the physical conditions in these galaxies. We have pioneered these techniques using data from the Infrared Space Observatory and applied them to local ultraluminous infrared galaxies. Deep Spitzer-IRS spectroscopy now makes it possible for the first time to detect PAH emission features, AGN continua, and signatures of absorption in faint but important high redshift targets. We propose to obtain high quality rest-frame ~5.5-9.5micron low-resolution IRS spectra of a moderate size sample spanning the full range of properties of the submm and mm population in an unbiased way, by selection from blank field and cluster lens surveys only. Our targets include the brightest high z submm and mm sources with interferometric identification and range from optically well-detected galaxies to very faint sources with K_Vega>22.5. These data will allow us to (i) determine or confirm redshifts, (ii) determine the relative importance of star formation and AGN and search for trends of the starburst/AGN energy production ratio within the population, (iii) search for indicators giving further clues to the prevailing physical conditions, like signatures of extreme obscuration. Quality of spectra and an unbiased sample are decisive in using the power of mid-infrared spectroscopy to answer these questions on the pivotal (sub)mm galaxy population.
Baker Andrew
Dannerbauer Helmut
Genzel Reinhard
Klein Randolf
Lehnert Matthew
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