The KX method for producing K-band flux-limited samples of quasars

Details The KX method for producing K-band flux-limited samples of quasars The KX method for producing K-band flux-limited samples of quasars

1999-11-04

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9911064v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

6 pages, 3 figures, to appear in MNRAS

Scientific paper

10.1046/j.1365-8711.2000.03206.x

The longstanding question of the extent to which the quasar population is affected by dust extinction, within host galaxies or galaxies along the line of sight, remains open. More generally, the spectral energy distributions of quasars vary significantly and flux-limited samples defined at different wavelengths include different quasars. Surveys employing flux measurements at widely separated wavelengths are necessary to characterise fully the spectral properties of the quasar population. The availability of panoramic near-infrared detectors on large telescopes provides the opportunity to undertake surveys capable of establishing the importance of extinction by dust on the observed population of quasars. We introduce an efficient method for selecting K-band, flux-limited samples of quasars, termed ``KX'' by analogy with the UVX method. This method exploits the difference between the power-law nature of quasar spectra and the convex spectra of stars: quasars are relatively brighter than stars at both short wavelengths (the UVX method) and long wavelengths (the KX method). We consider the feasibility of undertaking a large-area KX survey for damped Ly-alpha galaxies and gravitational lenses using the planned UKIRT wide-field near-infrared camera.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The KX method for producing K-band flux-limited samples of 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 The KX method for producing K-band flux-limited samples of quasars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The KX method for producing K-band flux-limited samples of quasars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-82060