Photometric Selection of Lyman-alpha Emitters at z

4.9

Project Description:

Lyman alpha emitters (LAEs) are star-forming galaxies identified by their strong Lyman-alpha emission (Lyα, 1216Å), found at early stages of galaxy evolution. Surveying these galaxies around quasars provides critical insight into the formation and evolution of galaxies and the quasar environment. To identify LAEs, we used photometric techniques that involved both broad-band and narrow-band filters. The photometric selection criteria require detecting galaxies that show an excess of flux in a narrowband filter, which is specifically centred on the redshifted Lyα emission line. This excess indicates the presence of strong Lyα emission, a key signature of the existing LAEs. The selected LAE candidates can then be targeted for follow-up spectroscopic confirmation. In this project, we will use the photometric method to select LAEs in the quasar field at z∼4.9, using narrowband and broadband imaging data. During this project, our objective is to define photometric criteria for the selection of LAE candidates at z∼4.9 and to understand the environment of the quasars. We will also compare the density of the quasar with the mean density of the universe. Through this project, the student will understand galaxy evolution in the early universe and high redshift galaxy selection techniques. The student will gain hands-on experience with Python-based tools for astronomical data analysis.

Research Area:

Space Physics

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Having programming skills in Python will be beneficial.