Fast Radio Bursts probe Galaxy Evolution: Evidence and implications of a redshift-dependent FRB host DM

Abstract

The redshift evolution of ionized gas in the full galaxy-halo system is a central open question in galaxy formation, because no existing observable is simultaneously sensitive to all ionized phases. Here we explore fast radio bursts (FRBs) as a probe of the density evolution of this gas through the redshift dependence of the FRB host dispersion measure, ${\rm DM_{host}}(z) \propto (1+z)^{n_z}$. The host DM denotes the electron column density of all ionized gas in the host along the FRB sightline, providing a unified tracer that complements existing phase-specific diagnostics. We apply a forward-modeling framework that accounts for instrumental effects to 90 localized FRBs (69 with confirmed host redshifts) from the DSA and ASKAP/CRAFT ICS surveys. Our inference yields $n_z = 1.62^{+1.48}_{-1.57}$, ruling out the non-evolving scenario ($n_z = 0$) at $1\,\sigma$, with both datasets independently favoring $n_z > 0$. The main $n_z$ degeneracy is with the mean host DM and parameters such as $H_0$, highlighting the need to account for a host evolution in inference analyses and DM-based host redshift estimates; overestimating redshifts by up to $\Delta z \approx 0.3$ for DM$_{\rm EG} \sim 1000 - 2000\,{\rm pc\,cm^{-3}}$ otherwise. About 100 ($300-350$) localized hosts from MeerTRAP in coherent mode (DSA/CRAFT) will yield $n_z$ uncertainties of $\sim0.7$. Precise $n_z$ measurements compared with the evolution of individual phases and galaxy scaling relations will shed light on ionized gas evolution in galaxies and halos, informing the dominant phase, the driver of the overall evolution, and FRB progenitor channels.