arXiv subjects

E. da Cunha

Publications and source records attributed to E. da Cunha.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

MAGPHYS+photo-z: Constraining the Physical Properties of Galaxies with Unknown Redshifts

We present an enhanced version of the multiwavelength spectral modeling code MAGPHYS that allows the estimation of galaxy photometric redshift and physical properties (e.g., stellar mass, star formation rate, dust attenuation) simultaneously, together with robust characterization of their uncertainties. The self-consistent modeling over ultraviolet to radio wavelengths in MAGPHYS+photo-z is unique compared to standard photometric redshift codes. The broader wavelength consideration is particularly useful for breaking certain degeneracies in color vs. redshift for dusty galaxies with limited observer-frame ultraviolet and optical data (or upper limits). We demonstrate the success of the code in estimating redshifts and physical properties for over 4,000 infrared-detected galaxies at 0.4<z<6.0 in the COSMOS field with robust spectroscopic redshifts. We achieve high photo-z precision ($σ_{Δz/(1+z_{spec})}\lesssim0.04$), high accuracy (i.e., minimal offset biases; median$(Δz/(1+z_{spec}))\lesssim0.02$), and low catastrophic failure rates ($η\simeq4\%$) over all redshifts. Interestingly, we find that a weak 2175A absorption feature in the attenuation curve models is required to remove a subtle systematic photo-z offset ($z_{phot}-z_{spec}\simeq-0.03$) that occurs when this feature is not included. As expected, the accuracy of derived physical properties in MAGPHYS+photo-z decreases strongly as redshift uncertainty increases. The all-in-one treatment of uncertainties afforded with this code is beneficial for accurately interpreting physical properties of galaxies in large photometric datasets. Finally, we emphasize that MAGPHYS+photo-z is not intended to replace existing photo-z codes, but rather offer flexibility to robustly interpret physical properties when spectroscopic redshifts are unavailable. The MAGPHYS+photo-z code is publicly available online.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

ALMA reveals potential evidence for spiral arms, bars, and rings in high-redshift submillimeter galaxies

We present sub-kpc-scale mapping of the 870 $μ$m ALMA continuum emission in six luminous ($L_{\rm IR}~\sim~5~\times10^{12}$ L$_{\odot}$) submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) from the ALESS survey of the Extended Chandra Deep Field South. Our high-fidelity 0.07$''$-resolution imaging ($\sim$500 pc) reveals robust evidence for structures with deconvolved sizes of $\lesssim$0.5-1 kpc embedded within (dominant) exponential dust disks. The large-scale morphologies of the structures within some of the galaxies show clear curvature and/or clump-like structures bracketing elongated nuclear emission, suggestive of bars, star-forming rings, and spiral arms. In this interpretation, the ratio of the `ring' and `bar' radii (1.9$\pm$0.3) agrees with that measured for such features in local galaxies. These potential spiral/ring/bar structures would be consistent with the idea of tidal disturbances, with their detailed properties implying flat inner rotation curves and Toomre-unstable disks (Q<1). The inferred one-dimensional velocity dispersions ($σ_{\rm r}\lesssim$ 70-160 km s$^{-1}$) are marginally consistent with the limits implied if the sizes of the largest structures are comparable to the Jeans length. We create maps of the star formation rate density ($Σ_{\rm SFR}$) on $\sim$500 pc scales and show that the SMGs are able to sustain a given (galaxy-averaged) $Σ_{\rm SFR}$ over much larger physical scales than local (ultra-)luminous infrared galaxies. However, on 500 pc scales, they do not exceed the Eddington limit set by radiation pressure on dust. If confirmed by kinematics, the potential presence of non-axisymmetric structures would provide a means for net angular momentum loss and efficient star formation, helping to explain the very high star formation rates measured in SMGs.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

An ALMA survey of the SCUBA-2 Cosmology Legacy Survey UKIDSS/UDS field: Source catalogue and properties

We present the catalogue and properties of sources in AS2UDS, an 870-$μ$m continuum survey with the Atacama Large Millimetre/sub-millimetre Array (ALMA) of 716 single-dish sub-millimetre sources detected in the UKIDSS/UDS field by the SCUBA-2 Cosmology Legacy Survey. In our sensitive ALMA follow-up observations we detect 708 sub-millimetre galaxies (SMGs) at $>$\,4.3$σ$ significance across the $\sim$\,1-degree diameter field. We combine our precise ALMA positions with the extensive multi-wavelength coverage in the UDS field to fit the spectral energy distributions of our SMGs to derive a median redshift of $z_{\rm phot}=$\,2.61$\pm$0.09. This large sample reveals a statistically significant trend of increasing sub-millimetre flux with redshift suggestive of galaxy downsizing. 101 ALMA maps do not show a $>$\,4.3$σ$ SMG, but we demonstrate from stacking {\it Herschel} SPIRE observations at these positions, that the vast majority of these blank maps correspond to real single-dish sub-millimetre sources. We further show that these blank maps contain an excess of galaxies at $z_{\rm phot}=$\,1.5--4 compared to random fields, similar to the redshift range of the ALMA-detected SMGs. In addition, we combine X-ray and mid-infrared active galaxy nuclei activity (AGN) indicators to yield a likely range for the AGN fraction of 8--28\,\% in our sample. Finally, we compare the redshifts of this population of high-redshift, strongly star-forming galaxies with the inferred formation redshifts of massive, passive galaxies being found out to $z\sim$\,2, finding reasonable agreement -- in support of an evolutionary connection between these two classes of massive galaxy.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

Strong FUV fields drive the [CII]/FIR deficit in z~3 dusty, star-forming galaxies

We present 0.15-arcsec (1 kpc) resolution ALMA observations of the [CII] 157.74 um line and rest-frame 160-um continuum emission in two z~3 dusty, star-forming galaxies - ALESS 49.1 and ALESS 57.1, combined with resolved CO(3-2) observations. In both sources, the [CII] surface brightness distribution is dominated by a compact core $\leq$1 kpc in radius, a factor of 2-3 smaller than the extent of the CO(3-2) emission. In ALESS 49.1, we find an additional extended (8-kpc radius), low surface-brightness [CII] component. Based on an analysis of mock ALMA observations, the [CII] and 160-um continuum surface brightness distributions are inconsistent with a single-Gaussian surface brightness distribution with the same size as the CO(3-2) emission. The [CII] rotation curves flatten at $\simeq$2 kpc radius, suggesting the kinematics of the central regions are dominated by a baryonic disc. Both galaxies exhibit a strong [CII]/FIR deficit on 1-kpc scales, with FIR-surface-brightness to [CII]/FIR slope steeper than in local star-forming galaxies. A comparison of the [CII]/CO(3-2) observations with PDR models suggests a strong FUV radiation field ($G_0\sim10^4$) and high gas density ($n\mathrm{(H)}\sim10^4-10^5$ cm$^{-3}$) in the central regions of ALESS 49.1 and 57.1. The most direct interpretation of the pronounced [CII]/FIR deficit is a thermal saturation of the C+ fine-structure levels at temperatures $\geq$500 K, driven by the strong FUV field.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

Constraining the volume density of Dusty Star-Forming Galaxies through the first 3mm Number Counts from ALMA

We carry out a blind search of 3mm continuum sources using the ALMA Science Archive to derive the first galaxy number counts at this wavelength. The analyzed data are drawn from observations towards three extragalactic legacy fields: COSMOS, CDF-S, and the UDS comprising more than 130 individual ALMA Band 3 pointings and an effective survey area of ~200 sq. arcmin with a continuum sensitivity that allows for the direct detection of unlensed Dusty Star-Forming Galaxies (DSFGs) dust emission beyond the epoch of reionization. We present a catalog of 16 sources detected at >5sigma with flux densities S_3mm = 60 - 600 uJy from which number counts are derived. These number counts are then used to place constraints on the volume density of DSFGs with an empirical backward evolution model. Our measured 3mm number counts indicate that the contribution of DSFGs to the cosmic star formation rate density at z >~ 4 is non-negligible. This is contrary to the generally adopted assumption of a sharply decreasing contribution of obscured galaxies at z > 4 as inferred by optical and near-infrared surveys. This work demonstrates the power of ALMA 3mm observations which can reach outstanding continuum sensitivities during typical spectral line science programs. Further constraints on 3mm-selected galaxies will be essential to refine models of galaxy formation and evolution as well as models of early Universe dust production mechanisms.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

A unique distant submillimeter galaxy with an X-ray-obscured radio-luminous active galactic nucleus

We present a multiwavelength study of an atypical submillimeter galaxy in the GOODS-North field, with the aim to understand its physical properties of stellar and dust emission, as well as the central AGN activity. Although it is shown that the source is likely an extremely dusty galaxy at high redshift, its exact position of submillimeter emission is unknown. With the new NOEMA interferometric imaging, we confirm that the source is a unique dusty galaxy. It has no obvious counterpart in the optical and even NIR images observed with HST at lambda~<1.4um. Photometric-redshift analyses from both stellar and dust SED suggest it to likely be at z~>4, though a lower redshift at z~>3.1 cannot be fully ruled out (at 90% confidence interval). Explaining its unusual optical-to-NIR properties requires an old stellar population (~0.67 Gyr), coexisting with a very dusty ongoing starburst component. The latter is contributing to the FIR emission, with its rest-frame UV and optical light being largely obscured along our line of sight. If the observed fluxes at the rest-frame optical/NIR wavelengths were mainly contributed by old stars, a total stellar mass of ~3.5x10^11Msun would be obtained. An X-ray spectral analysis suggests that this galaxy harbors a heavily obscured AGN with N_H=3.3x10^23 cm^-2 and an intrinsic 2-10 keV luminosity of L_X~2.6x10^44 erg/s, which places this object among distant type 2 quasars. The radio emission of the source is extremely bright, which is an order of magnitude higher than the star-formation-powered emission, making it one of the most distant radio-luminous dusty galaxies. The combined characteristics of the galaxy suggest that the source appears to have been caught in a rare but critical transition stage in the evolution of submillimeter galaxies, where we are witnessing the birth of a young AGN and possibly the earliest stage of its jet formation and feedback.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

Resolving the ISM at the peak of cosmic star formation with ALMA - The distribution of CO and dust continuum in z~2.5 sub-millimetre galaxies

We use ALMA observations of four sub-millimetre galaxies (SMGs) at $z\sim2-3$ to investigate the spatially resolved properties of the inter-stellar medium (ISM) at scales of 1--5 kpc (0.1--0.6$''$). The velocity fields of our sources, traced by the $^{12}$CO($J$=3-2) emission, are consistent with disk rotation to first order, implying average dynamical masses of $\sim$3$\times10^{11}$M$_{\odot}$ within two half-light radii. Through a Bayesian approach we investigate the uncertainties inherent to dynamically constraining total gas masses. We explore the covariance between the stellar mass-to-light ratio and CO-to-H$_{2}$ conversion factor, $α_{\rm CO}$, finding values of $α_{\rm CO}=1.1^{+0.8}_{-0.7}$ for dark matter fractions of 15 \%. We show that the resolved spatial distribution of the gas and dust continuum can be uncorrelated to the stellar emission, challenging energy balance assumptions in global SED fitting. Through a stacking analysis of the resolved radial profiles of the CO(3-2), stellar and dust continuum emission in SMG samples, we find that the cool molecular gas emission in these sources (radii $\sim$5--14 kpc) is clearly more extended than the rest-frame $\sim$250 $μ$m dust continuum by a factor $>2$. We propose that assuming a constant dust-to-gas ratio, this apparent difference in sizes can be explained by temperature and optical-depth gradients alone. Our results suggest that caution must be exercised when extrapolating morphological properties of dust continuum observations to conclusions about the molecular gas phase of the ISM.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): The environmental dependence of the galaxy main sequence

Aims. We aim to investigate if the environment (characterised by the host dark matter halo mass) plays any role in shaping the galaxy star formation main sequence (MS). Methods. The Galaxy and Mass Assembly project (GAMA) combines a spectroscopic survey with photometric information in 21 bands from the far-ultraviolet (FUV) to the far-infrared (FIR). Stellar masses and dust-corrected star-formation rates (SFR) are derived from spectral energy distribution (SED) modelling using MAGPHYS. We use the GAMA galaxy group catalogue to examine the variation of the fraction of star-forming galaxies (SFG) and properties of the MS with respect to the environment. Results. We examine the environmental dependence for stellar mass selected samples without preselecting star-forming galaxies and study any dependence on the host halo mass separately for centrals and satellites out to z ~ 0.3. We find the SFR distribution at fixed stellar mass can be described by the combination of two Gaussians (referred to as the star-forming Gaussian and the quiescent Gaussian). Using the observed bimodality to define SFG, we investigate how the fraction of SFG F(SFG) and properties of the MS change with environment. For centrals, the position of the MS is similar to the field but with a larger scatter. No significant dependence on halo mass is observed. For satellites, the position of the MS is almost always lower (by ~0.2 dex) compared to the field and the width is almost always larger. F(SFG) is similar between centrals (in different halo mass bins) and field galaxies. However, for satellites F(SFG) decreases with increasing halo mass and this dependence is stronger towards lower redshift.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): The galaxy stellar mass function to $z=0.1$ from the r-band selected equatorial regions

We derive the low redshift galaxy stellar mass function (GSMF), inclusive of dust corrections, for the equatorial Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) dataset covering 180 deg$^2$. We construct the mass function using a density-corrected maximum volume method, using masses corrected for the impact of optically thick and thin dust. We explore the galactic bivariate brightness plane ($M_\star-μ$), demonstrating that surface brightness effects do not systematically bias our mass function measurement above 10$^{7.5}$ M$_{\odot}$. The galaxy distribution in the $M-μ$-plane appears well bounded, indicating that no substantial population of massive but diffuse or highly compact galaxies are systematically missed due to the GAMA selection criteria. The GSMF is {fit with} a double Schechter function, with $\mathcal M^\star=10^{10.78\pm0.01\pm0.20}M_\odot$, $ϕ^\star_1=(2.93\pm0.40)\times10^{-3}h_{70}^3$Mpc$^{-3}$, $α_1=-0.62\pm0.03\pm0.15$, $ϕ^\star_2=(0.63\pm0.10)\times10^{-3}h_{70}^3$Mpc$^{-3}$, and $α_2=-1.50\pm0.01\pm0.15$. We find the equivalent faint end slope as previously estimated using the GAMA-I sample, although we find a higher value of $\mathcal M^\star$. Using the full GAMA-II sample, we are able to fit the mass function to masses as low as $10^{7.5}$ $M_\odot$, and assess limits to $10^{6.5}$ $M_\odot$. Combining GAMA-II with data from G10-COSMOS we are able to comment qualitatively on the shape of the GSMF down to masses as low as $10^{6}$ $M_\odot$. Beyond the well known upturn seen in the GSMF at $10^{9.5}$ the distribution appears to maintain a single power-law slope from $10^9$ to $10^{6.5}$. We calculate the stellar mass density parameter given our best-estimate GSMF, finding $Ω_\star= 1.66^{+0.24}_{-0.23}\pm0.97 h^{-1}_{70} \times 10^{-3}$, inclusive of random and systematic uncertainties.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

GAMA/H-ATLAS: Common star-formation rate indicators and their dependence on galaxy physical parameters

We compare common star-formation rate (SFR) indicators in the local Universe in the GAMA equatorial fields (around 160 sq. deg.), using ultraviolet (UV) photometry from GALEX, far-infrared (FIR) and sub-millimetre (sub-mm) photometry from H-ATLAS, and Halpha spectroscopy from the GAMA survey. With a high-quality sample of 745 galaxies (median redshift 0.08), we consider three SFR tracers: UV luminosity corrected for dust attenuation using the UV spectral slope beta (SFRUV,corr), Halpha line luminosity corrected for dust using the Balmer decrement (BD) (SFRHalpha,corr), and the combination of UV and IR emission (SFRUV+IR). We demonstrate that SFRUV,corr can be reconciled with the other two tracers after applying attenuation corrections by calibrating IRX (i.e. the IR to UV luminosity ratio) and attenuation in the Halpha (derived from BD) against beta. However, beta on its own is very unlikely to be a reliable attenuation indicator. We find that attenuation correction factors depend on parameters such as stellar mass, z and dust temperature (Tdust), but not on Halpha equivalent width (EW) or Sersic index. Due to the large scatter in the IRX vs beta correlation, when compared to SFRUV+IR, the beta-corrected SFRUV,corr exhibits systematic deviations as a function of IRX, BD and Tdust.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

GAMA/H-ATLAS: A meta-analysis of SFR indicators - comprehensive measures of the SFR-M* relation and Cosmic Star Formation History at z < 0.4

We present a meta-analysis of star-formation rate (SFR) indicators in the GAMA survey, producing 12 different SFR metrics and determining the SFR-M* relation for each. We compare and contrast published methods to extract the SFR from each indicator, using a well-defined local sample of morphologically-selected spiral galaxies, which excludes sources which potentially have large recent changes to their SFR. The different methods are found to yield SFR-M* relations with inconsistent slopes and normalisations, suggesting differences between calibration methods. The recovered SFR-M* relations also have a large range in scatter which, as SFRs of the targets may be considered constant over the different timescales, suggests differences in the accuracy by which methods correct for attenuation in individual targets. We then recalibrate all SFR indicators to provide new, robust and consistent luminosity-to-SFR calibrations, finding that the most consistent slopes and normalisations of the SFR-M* relations are obtained when recalibrated using the radiation transfer method of Popescu et al. These new calibrations can be used to directly compare SFRs across different observations, epochs and galaxy populations. We then apply our calibrations to the GAMA II equatorial dataset and explore the evolution of star-formation in the local Universe. We determine the evolution of the normalisation to the SFR-M* relation from 0 < z < 0.35 - finding consistent trends with previous estimates at 0.3 < z < 1.2. We then provide the definitive z < 0.35 Cosmic Star Formation History, SFR-M* relation and its evolution over the last 3 billion years.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

Star formation activity in a young galaxy cluster at z=0.866

The galaxy cluster RXJ1257$+$4738 at $z=0.866$ is one of the highest redshift clusters with a richness of multi-wavelength data, and thus a good target to study the star formation-density relation at early epochs. Using a sample of spectroscopically-confirmed cluster members, we derive the star formation rates of our galaxies using two methods, (I) the relation between SFR and total infrared luminosity extrapolated from the observed \textit{Spitzer} MIPS 24$μ$m imaging data, and (II) spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting using the MAGPHYS code, including eight different bands. We show that, for this cluster, the SFR-density relation is very weak and seems to be dominated by the two central galaxies and the SFR presents a mild dependence on stellar mass, with more massive galaxies having higher SFR. However, the specific SFR (SSFR) decreases with stellar mass, meaning that more massive galaxies are forming less stars per unit of mass, and thus suggesting that the increase in star-forming members is driven by cluster assembly and infall. If the environment is somehow driving the SF, one would expect a relation between the SSFR and the cluster centric distance, but that is not the case. A possible scenario to explain this lack of correlation is the contamination by infalling galaxies in the inner part of the cluster which may be on their initial pass through the cluster center. As these galaxies have higher SFRs for their stellar mass, they enhance the mean SSFR in the center of the cluster.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

The evolution of the cold interstellar medium in galaxies following a starburst

We present the evolution of dust and molecular gas properties in a sample of 11 $z\sim0.03$ starburst to post-starburst (PSB) galaxies selected to span an age sequence from ongoing starburst to 1 Gyr after the starburst ended. All PSBs harbour significant molecular gas and dust reservoirs and residual star formation, indicating that complete quenching of the starburst due to exhaustion or expulsion of gas has not occurred during this timespan. As the starburst ages, we observe a clear decrease in the star-formation efficiency, molecular gas and SFR surface density, and effective dust temperature, from levels coincident with starburst galaxies to those of normal star-forming galaxies. These trends are consistent with a natural decrease in the SFR following consumption of molecular gas by the starburst, and corresponding decrease in the interstellar radiation field strength as the starburst ages. The gas and dust contents of the PSBs are coincident with those of star-forming galaxies and molecular gas-rich early-type galaxies, and are not consistent with galaxies on the red-sequence. We find no evidence that the global gas reservoir is expelled by stellar winds or AGN feedback. Our results show that although a strong starburst in a low-redshift galaxy may cause the galaxy to ultimately have a lower specific SFR and be of an earlier morphological type, the galaxy will remain in the "green valley" for an extended time. Multiple such episodes may be needed to complete migration of the galaxy from the blue- to red-sequence.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

COLDz: Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array discovery of a gas-rich galaxy in COSMOS

The broad spectral bandwidth at mm and cm-wavelengths provided by the recent upgrades to the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) has made it possible to conduct unbiased searches for molecular CO line emission at redshifts, z > 1.31. We present the discovery of a gas-rich, star-forming galaxy at z = 2.48, through the detection of CO(1-0) line emission in the COLDz survey, through a sensitive, Ka-band (31 to 39 GHz) VLA survey of a 6.5 square arcminute region of the COSMOS field. We argue that the broad line (FWHM ~570 +/- 80 km/s) is most likely to be CO(1-0) at z=2.48, as the integrated emission is spatially coincident with an infrared-detected galaxy with a photometric redshift estimate of z = 3.2 +/- 0.4. The CO(1-0) line luminosity is L'_CO = (2.2 +/- 0.3) x 10^{10} K km/s pc^2, suggesting a cold molecular gas mass of M_gas ~ (2 - 8)x10^{10}M_solar depending on the assumed value of the molecular gas mass to CO luminosity ratio alpha_CO. The estimated infrared luminosity from the (rest-frame) far-infrared spectral energy distribution (SED) is L_IR = 2.5x10^{12} L_solar and the star-formation rate is ~250 M_solar/yr, with the SED shape indicating substantial dust obscuration of the stellar light. The infrared to CO line luminosity ratio is ~114+/-19 L_solar/(K km/s pc^2), similar to galaxies with similar SFRs selected at UV/optical to radio wavelengths. This discovery confirms the potential for molecular emission line surveys as a route to study populations of gas-rich galaxies in the future.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Regularity underlying complexity: a redshift-independent description of the continuous variation of galaxy-scale molecular gas properties in the mass-star formation rate plane

Star-forming galaxies (SFGs) display a continuous distribution of specific star formation rates (sSFR) which can be approximated by the superposition of two log-normal distributions. The 1st of these encompasses the main sequence (MS) of SFGs, the 2nd one a rarer population of starbursts (SB). We show that the sSFR-distribution of SBs can be regarded as the result of a physical process (plausibly merging) taking the mathematical form of a log-normal boosting kernel and enhancing star formation activity. We explore the utility of splitting the star-forming population into MS and SB galaxies - an approach we term "2-Star Formation Mode" (2-SFM) framework - for understanding their molecular gas properties. Variations of star formation efficiency (SFE) and gas fractions among SFGs take a simple, redshift-independent form, once these quantities are normalized to the value of an average MS galaxy. The change in SFE for galaxies undergoing a starburst event scales supra-linearly with the SFR-increase, as expected for mergers. This implies a continuous distribution of galaxies in the Schmidt-Kennicutt plane that separates more clearly into loci for SBs and normal galaxies than observed in SFR vs. M* space. SBs with the largest deviations (>10-fold) from the MS, like many local ULIRGs, are not average SBs, but even rarer events with progenitors having larger gas fractions than typical MS galaxies. We statistically infer that the gas fractions of typical SBs decrease by a factor of 2 to 3 with respect to their direct MS progenitors, as expected to occur in short-term SFR-boosts during which internal gas reservoirs are drained more quickly than gas is accreted from the cosmic web. We predict variations of the CO-to-H2 conversion factor in the SFR-M* plane and provide evidence that the higher sSFR of distant galaxies is a direct consequence of larger gas fraction in these systems.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2014

Herschel-ATLAS: Properties of dusty massive galaxies at low and high redshifts

We present a comparison of the physical properties of a rest-frame $250μ$m selected sample of massive, dusty galaxies from $0 1$ SMGs have an average SFR of $390^{+80}_{-70}\,$M$_\odot$yr$^{-1}$ which is 120 times that of the low-redshift sample matched in stellar mass to the SMGs (SFR$=3.3\pm{0.2}$ M$_\odot$yr$^{-1}$). The SMGs harbour a substantial mass of dust ($1.2^{+0.3}_{-0.2}\times{10}^9\,$M$_\odot$), compared to $(1.6\pm0.1)\times{10}^8\,$M$_\odot$ for low-redshift dusty galaxies. At low redshifts the dust luminosity is dominated by the diffuse ISM, whereas a large fraction of the dust luminosity in SMGs originates from star-forming regions. At the same dust mass SMGs are offset towards a higher SFR compared to the low-redshift H-ATLAS galaxies. This is not only due to the higher gas fraction in SMGs but also because they are undergoing a more efficient mode of star formation, which is consistent with their bursty star-formation histories. The offset in SFR between SMGs and low-redshift galaxies is similar to that found in CO studies, suggesting that dust mass is as good a tracer of molecular gas as CO.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

The dust budget crisis in high-redshift submillimetre galaxies

We apply a chemical evolution model to investigate the sources and evolution of dust in a sample of 26 high-redshift ($z>1$) submillimetre galaxies (SMGs) from the literature, with complete photometry from ultraviolet to the submillimetre. We show that dust produced only by low-intermediate mass stars falls a factor 240 short of the observed dust masses of SMGs, the well-known `dust-budget crisis'. Adding an extra source of dust from supernovae can account for the dust mass in 19 per cent of the SMG sample. Even after accounting for dust produced by supernovae the remaining deficit in the dust mass budget provides support for higher supernova yields, substantial grain growth in the interstellar medium or a top-heavy IMF. Including efficient destruction of dust by supernova shocks increases the tension between our model and observed SMG dust masses. The models which best reproduce the physical properties of SMGs have a rapid build-up of dust from both stellar and interstellar sources and minimal dust destruction. Alternatively, invoking a top-heavy IMF or significant changes in the dust grain properties can solve the dust budget crisis only if dust is produced by both low mass stars and supernovae and is not efficiently destroyed by supernova shocks.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Herschel observations of Hickson compact groups of galaxies: Unveiling the properties of cold dust

We present a Herschel far-IR and sub-mm study of a sample of 120 galaxies in 28 Hickson Compact Groups. Fitting their UV to sub-mm spectral energy distributions with the model of da Cunha et al. (2008), we accurately estimate the dust masses, luminosities and temperatures of the individual galaxies. We find that nearly half of the late-type galaxies in dynamically "old" groups, those with more than 25% of early-type members and redder UV-optical colours, have also significantly lower dust-to-stellar mass ratios compared to those of actively star-forming galaxies of the same mass found both in HCGs and the field. Examining their dust-to-gas mass ratios we conclude that dust was stripped out of these systems as a result of the gravitational and hydrodynamic interactions, experienced due to previous encounters with other group members. About 40% of the early-type galaxies (mostly lenticulars), in dynamically "old" groups, display dust properties similar to those of the UV-optical red late-type galaxies. Given their stellar masses, star formation rates and UV-optical colours, we suggest that red late-type and dusty lenticular galaxies represent transition populations between blue star-forming disk galaxies and quiescent early-type ellipticals. [...ABRIDGED...] Our deep Herschel observations also allow us to detect the presence of diffuse cold intragroup dust in 4 HCGs. We also find that the fraction of 250micron emission which is located outside of the main bodies of the red late-type galaxies as well as of the dusty lenticulars is 15-20% of their integrated emission at this band. All these findings are consistent with an evolutionary scenario in which gas dissipation, shocks and turbulence in addition to tidal interactions, shape the evolution of galaxies in compact groups.

astro-ph.GA↗