Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jun 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop..277k&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #277
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Damped Lyman-alpha (DLA) absorption systems in quasar spectra dominate the neutral gas content in galaxies and offer tools for studying evolution of metals and dust in galaxies. However, recent observations indicate that the majority of DLAs appear to have low metallicities and low star formation rates at all redshifts studied, contrary to most chemical evolution models. One possible explanation of this dilemma is that the current DLA samples are biased due to dust selection effects. Recently, several highly dusty quasar absorption systems have been discovered in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. These dusty absorbers appear to be chemically more enriched than the general DLA population, suggestive of more massive or disturbed galaxies, and may contribute signif icantly to the global metal content. Here we propose to obtain IR spectra of 10 quasars that show such dusty absorbers based on various optical/UV features of the quasar spectra. These IRS spectra will allow the first systematic survey of the 9.7 micrometer silicate absorption feature in these dusty absorbers. We also propose IRAC imaging for 3 of the dustiest fields to search for IR emission from the companion galaxies as well as diffuse dust emission in the environment surrounding these chemically enriched absorber galaxies. The proposed observations will offer the first mid-IR look at the properties of these unique high-redshift galaxies and allow us to study the composition of their dust and star formation in their environment. These observations will ultimately help in understanding whether the dusty absorbers and their companion galaxies may form a link between the metal-poor, quiescent DLAs and the actively star-forming Lyman-break galaxies (LBGs). Spitzer is the only existing facility that can offer the necessary wavelength coverage and sensitivity.
Kulkarni Varsha
Vladilo Giovanni
Welty Daniel E.
York Donald G.
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