X-shooter, with its characteristics of resolution, spectral coverage and efficiency, provides a unique opportunity to obtain spectra of the highest-redshift quasars (z˜6) that will allow us to carry out successful investigations on key cosmological issues, from the details of the re-ionization process, to the evolution of the first galaxies and AGNs. In this paper, we present the spectra of three z˜6 quasars: one obtained during the commissioning of X-shooter and two in the context of our ongoing GTO programme. Combining this sample with data in the literature, we update the value of the C IV cosmic mass density in the range 4.5 ≤z ≤5, confirming the constant trend with redshift between 2.5 and 5.
D'Odorico V., Cupani G., Cristiani S., Maiolino R., Molaro P., Nonino M., et al. (2011). Optical-NIR spectra of quasars close to reionization (z˜ 6). ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, 332, 315-319 [10.1002/asna.201111545].
Optical-NIR spectra of quasars close to reionization (z˜ 6)
CIMATTI, ANDREA;
2011
Abstract
X-shooter, with its characteristics of resolution, spectral coverage and efficiency, provides a unique opportunity to obtain spectra of the highest-redshift quasars (z˜6) that will allow us to carry out successful investigations on key cosmological issues, from the details of the re-ionization process, to the evolution of the first galaxies and AGNs. In this paper, we present the spectra of three z˜6 quasars: one obtained during the commissioning of X-shooter and two in the context of our ongoing GTO programme. Combining this sample with data in the literature, we update the value of the C IV cosmic mass density in the range 4.5 ≤z ≤5, confirming the constant trend with redshift between 2.5 and 5.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
