Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1998-01-02
``Structure and Evolution of the Intergalactic Medium from QSO Absorption Line Systems'' eds. P. Petitjean and S. Charlot (Edi
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
6 pages, LaTeX, 4 PostScript figures, uses conf_iap.sty. To appear in the Proceedings of the 13th IAP Colloquium: Structure an
Scientific paper
Knowledge of the evolution of the low column density end of the Ly alpha forest (12.8 < log N_HI < 16.0 cm^-2) can provide substantial insight for models of structure formation and studies of the evolution of the ionizing background. Here we describe the evolution of the b values and column densities of forest clouds over the redshift range 2 < z < 4. While the distribution function for clouds with column densities N_HI < 3 x 10^14 cm^-2 can be well described by a single invariant power law fit with slope ~-1.5 over this range, at higher column densities a break in this distribution function is seen, with a deficiency of high column density clouds relative to the single power-law fit, and with the break point moving to lower column densities for clouds at lower redshifts. The median and cut-off (minimum) b values are seen to decrease at higher redshifts.
No associations
LandOfFree
Redshift Evolution of the Low-Column Density Lyman alpha Fores 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 Redshift Evolution of the Low-Column Density Lyman alpha Fores, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Redshift Evolution of the Low-Column Density Lyman alpha Fores will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-196591