Investigating galactic evolutionary mechanisms through near-IR spectroscopy of high redshift galaxies
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The project will consist in using near-IR spectroscopic data of high redshift galaxies to investigate the physical processes regulating galaxy formation and evolution.
The primary focus of the project will be the use of near-IR integral field (i.e. 3D) spectroscopic data from KLEVER, which is an ESO Large Programme (nearly completed)
targeting about 100 galaxies (both lensed and unlensed) at z~1-2 with KMOS (the VLT multi-IFU near-IR spectrograph) in multiple near-IR bands (in contrast with other KMOS surveys, which had
focussed on a single band). The main goal is to detect and spatially map the main (rest-frame) optical nebular emission lines to trace the metal enrichment distribution, chemical abundances,
gas excitation, gas physical properties (density, ionisation parameter, etc...), extinction, kinematics (including the presence and properties of outflows). These unique
observational data will provide key information and constraints on the role played by different physical mechanisms in regulating the formation of stars in galaxies around
the peak of their cosmic activity.
Depending on the progress, it may also be possible that the project will include the participation in the preparatory activities (e.g. simulations) for the JWST-NIRSpec and/or VLT-MOONS GTO programmes,
and possibly even access and analyse some of the very first data delivered by these new facilities.
The primary focus of the project will be the use of near-IR integral field (i.e. 3D) spectroscopic data from KLEVER, which is an ESO Large Programme (nearly completed)
targeting about 100 galaxies (both lensed and unlensed) at z~1-2 with KMOS (the VLT multi-IFU near-IR spectrograph) in multiple near-IR bands (in contrast with other KMOS surveys, which had
focussed on a single band). The main goal is to detect and spatially map the main (rest-frame) optical nebular emission lines to trace the metal enrichment distribution, chemical abundances,
gas excitation, gas physical properties (density, ionisation parameter, etc...), extinction, kinematics (including the presence and properties of outflows). These unique
observational data will provide key information and constraints on the role played by different physical mechanisms in regulating the formation of stars in galaxies around
the peak of their cosmic activity.
Depending on the progress, it may also be possible that the project will include the participation in the preparatory activities (e.g. simulations) for the JWST-NIRSpec and/or VLT-MOONS GTO programmes,
and possibly even access and analyse some of the very first data delivered by these new facilities.
