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G. Soucail

Publications and source records attributed to G. Soucail.

70 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
arXiv1999

Lensed galaxies in Abell 370 II. The ultraviolet properties of arclets and the star formation rate at high redshift

We discuss the statistical properties of faint background galaxies detected in a deep Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet (F336W) Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 image of the lensing cluster Abell 370 (z=0.37). By combining modelled field galaxy counts at this wavelength with a detailed mass model for the cluster, we develop techniques for predicting the expected redshift distribution of lensed sources and find the bulk of the sources should be moderately magnified sources whose redshifts lie between 0.5 and 2. We compare these predictions with redshift estimates derived from the lens inversion method which utilises the shapes of individual arclets in the context of a known field ellipticity distribution. This allows us to infer the comoving star formation rate for the range 0.5<z<2 where there is currently little spectroscopic data. We discuss our results in the context of contemporary pictures for the history of star formation.

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arXiv1999

Emission-Line Properties of MG2016+112: A Luminous Type-2 Quasar at High Redshift

We present new high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of the components B and C of the gravitational lensing system MG2016+112. We show that image C displays strong emission lines of Ly$α$, \NV, \CIV, \HeII, and \CIII redshifted to z=3.27, similar to images and B. We examine the emission-line flux ratios in order to put constraints on the lens models as well as to investigate the intrinsic nature of MG2016+112. The observed line ratios of B and C are consistent with those expected in the simple photo-ionization models for narrow-line region of active galactic nuclei (AGN) except for the enhanced \NV\ lines. The line ratios difference of components B and C can be interpreted as a difference in ionization parameters. This result is consistent with lens model prediction that C is a fold image of a slightly outer part of the nucleus. MG2016+112 is known to be very unique among the high-redshift AGN; it is neither an ordinary broad-line quasar nor a powerful radio galaxy as indicated by the width and flux ratio of the emission lines. Together with other observed properties discussed in literature, we argue that MG2016+112 is the highest redshift luminous radio-quiet type-2 quasar.

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arXiv1999

Lensed galaxies in Abell 370 I. Modeling the number counts and redshift distribution of background sources

We present new observations of the cluster-lens Abell 370: a deep HST/WFPC2 F675W image and ESO 3.6m spectroscopy of faint galaxies. These observations shade new lights on the statistical properties of faint lensed galaxies. In particular, we spectroscopically confirm the multiple image nature of the B2--B3 gravitational pair (Kneib et al. 1993), and determine a redshift of z=0.806 which is in very good agreement with earlier predictions. A refined mass model of the cluster core (that includes cluster galaxy halos) is presented, based on a number of newly identified multiple images. Following Bezecourt et al. (1998a), we combine the new cluster mass model with a spectrophotometric prescription for galaxy evolution to predict the arclets number counts and redshift distribution in the HST image. In particular, the ellipticity distribution of background sources is taken into account, in order to properly estimate the statistical number and redshift distribution of arclets. We show that the redshift distribution of arclets, and particularly its high redshift tail can be used as a strong constraint to disentangle different galaxy evolution scenario. A hierarchical model which includes a number density evolution is favored by our analysis. Finally, we compute the depletion curves in the faint galaxies number counts and discuss its wavelength dependence.

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arXiv1999

Two multiple-imaged z=4.05 galaxies in the cluster-lens Abell 2390

We present the first results on the identification and study of very distant field galaxies in the core of cluster-lenses, using a selection criterium based on both lens modelling and photometric redshifts. We concentrate on two multiple-imaged sources at z=4.05 in the cluster A2390. The 2 objects presented in this paper, namely H3 and H5, were identified through lens modelling as multiple images of high-redshift sources at z>3.5. We confirm the excellent agreement between this identification and both their photometric redshifts and morphologies. Our CFHT/WHT program for a systematic redshift survey of arcs in clusters has allowed to obtain a set of spectra on 3 different images at z~4: the brightest image of H3, which redshift was already confirmed by Frye & Broadhurst (1998), and the two brightest images of H5. The later is then confirmed spectroscopically as a multiple image, giving a strong support to the lens model. The main feature in each of these spectra is a strong emission line, identified as Ly-alpha, leading to z=4.05 for both H3 and H5. The spectrophotometric properties of these galaxies are studied, in particular the degeneracy in the parameter-space defined by the SFR type, age, metallicity and reddening. H3 and H5 are intrinsically bright and clumpy sources located ~100 kpc part on the source plane, with mean metallicities compatible with a fraction of solar or even solar values. All these results seem to favour a hierarchical merging scenario, where we are actually seeing a relatively advanced step for these 2 z~4 objects, with stars forming locally and efficiently from a preenriched gas.

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arXiv1999

A ring galaxy at z=1 lensed by the cluster Abell 370

We present a study of a very peculiar object found in the field of the cluster-lens Abell 370. This object displays, in HST imaging, a spectacular morphology comparable to nearby ring-galaxies. From spectroscopic observations at the CFHT, we measured a redshift of $z=1.062$ based on the identification of [O ii] 3727 Åand [Ne v] 3426 Åemission lines. These emission lines are typical of starburst galaxies hosting a central active nucleus and are in good agreement with the assumption that this object is a ring-galaxy. This object is also detected with ISO in the LW2 and LW3 filters, and the mid Infra-Red (MIR) flux ratio favors a Seyfert 1 type. The shape of the ring is gravitationally distorted by the cluster-lens, and most particularly by a nearby cluster elliptical galaxy. Using the cluster mass model, we can compute its intrinsic shape. Requiring that the outer ring follows an ellipse we put constraints on the M/L ratio of the nearby galaxy and derive a magnification factor of 2.5 $\pm$ 0.2. The absolute luminosities of the source are then $L_B = 1.3 \ 10^{12} L_{B \odot}$ and $ν$ L$_ν\simeq 4. 10^{10}$ L$_\odot$ in the mid-IR.

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arXiv1998

AgapeZ1: a Large Amplification Microlensing Event or an Odd Variable Star Towards the Inner Bulge of M31

AgapeZ1 is the brightest and the shortest duration microlensing candidate event found in the Agape data. It occured only 42" from the center of M31. Our photometry shows that the half intensity duration of the event6 is 4.8 days and at maximum brightness we measure a stellar magnitude of R=18.0 with B-R=0.80 mag color. A search on HST archives produced a single resolved star within the projected event position error box. Its magnitude is R=22.

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arXiv1998

Deep ISOCAM view of the core of the lensing cluster A2390

We have imaged the inner square arcminute of the well known lensing and cooling flow cluster A2390 (z = 0.23) down to a sensitivity of 65 and 130 microJy at 6.75 and 15 micronmetre, respectively. We report the first evidence of an active star-forming region in a cooling flow (at those wavelengths) and strong emission in the mid-IR from lensed galaxies located at z=0.9.

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arXiv1997

Number counts and redshift distribution of gravitational arclets as a probe of galaxy evolution

We present a detailed model of the absolute number counts, color and redshift distributions of gravitational arclets observed in clusters of galaxies. The framework adopted for galaxy evolution is chosen to fairly reproduce the observed number counts and redshift distribution of field galaxies. Then, the spectrophotometric evolutionary code is coupled with an accurate modelling of two clusters-lens mass distributions (A2218 and A370). We investigate the influence of the mass modelling on the counts and we show that simple cluster-scale potentials can no longer be used for arcs statistics. The main result is that arcs at redshifts between 0.5 and 1 are correctly predicted by the modelling as observed. Nevertheless, an important population of high redshift arclets (z>1.0) is also revealed by the simulations, which is not observed in spectroscopic surveys of arclets. We discuss the nature of this disagreement, probably due to uncertainties in the evolutionary models. The spatial distribution of arclets in number density and the local mean redshift at each point of the image are derived and can be used to optimize the search for high redshift galaxies.

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arXiv1996

AGAPE: a search for dark matter towards M31 by microlensing effects on unresolved stars

M31 is a very tempting target for a microlensing search of compact objects in galactic haloes. It is the nearest large galaxy, it probably has its own dark halo, and its tilted position with respect to the line of sight provides an unmistakable signature of microlensing. However most stars of M31 are not resolved and one has to use the ``pixel method'': monitor the pixels of the image rather than the stars. AGAPE is the implementation of this idea. Data have been collected and treated during two autumns of observation at the 2 metre telescope of Pic du Midi. The process of geometric and photometric alignment, which must be performed before constructing pixel light curves, is described. Seeing variations are minimised by working with large super-pixels (2.1) compared with the average seeing. A high level of stability of pixel fluxes, crucial to the approach, is reached. Fluctuations of super-pixels do not exceed 1.7 times the photon noise which is 0.1% of the intensity for the brightest ones. With such stable data, 10 microlensing events are expected for a full ``standard halo''. With a larger field, a regular and short time sampling and a long lever arm in time, the pixel method will be a very efficient tool to explore the halo of M31.

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arXiv1996

AGAPE: a Microlensing Search for Dark Matter by Monitoring Pixels

AGAPE is an observational search of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) in the direction of M31 by means of a novel method: the gravitational microlensing of unresolved stars. The search consists in examining CCD pixel light curves for microlensing features. The high level of temporal stability necessary to detect microlensing events has been achieved, with quiet pixels stable within a factor of two of the photon noise (the brightest ones down to a level of 0.001 mag). The data analysis is still in progress, but hundreds of variable objects (cepheids, novae, ...) have already been found. Among them there are several lightcurves that resemble microlensing events.

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arXiv1996

Redshift survey of gravitational arclets in Abell 2390

In this paper, we present new determinations of redshifts on a sample of gravitational arclets identified in the cluster of galaxies Abell 2390. The arclets candidates were selected from their elongated morphology as seen in recent deep HST images of the cluster. The spectra display various features, and the redshifts of the background objects range from 0.398 to 1.268, most of them being between 0.6 and 0.9 with [O II] $λ$=3727Å being the main emission line encountered. This distribution is mostly concentrated in two redshifts planes at $z=0.64$ and $z=0.90$. The existence of two pairs of background galaxies at different redshifts, almost superimposed on the same line of sight are used to infer some limits on the mass of galaxy-size deflectors. A detailed writing of the lensing distorsion by two lens planes at different redshifts is developped for this purpose. Finally, [O II] equivalent widths are used to compute approximate star formation rates which appear to be of the same order of magnitude as in nearby spiral galaxies. The implications on both the lensing properties of the cluster and the analysis of the field galaxy evolution are also discussed.

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arXiv1996

Identification of a high redshift cluster in the field of Q2345+007 through deep BRIJK' photometry

This paper describes new results on the identification of the complex gravita- tional lens responsible for the double quasar Q2345+007. A gravitational shear field was detected recently about 45'' away from the QSO, centered on an excess of faint blue galaxies. We present deep photometric data in the near-IR (J & K'), which are used together with optical BRI photometry to build spectral ener- gy distributions for all the objects, and to derive a photometric redshift esti- mate by comparison with synthetic spectrophotometric data. We propose a statis- tical method to analyse the distribution in z. An excess of galaxies at z about 0.75 is detected in this field, with a 2D distribution showing a maximum located at the center of the weak-shear field. The z inferred for this overdensity (a distant cluster of galaxies) corresponds to an absorption system in the spectrum of the quasar B. Most cluster-member candidates at z=0.75 are undergoing a star- formation process or are burst systems 1 to 3 Gyr old. We also discuss the exis- tence of other possible excesses of galaxies at different z planes.

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arXiv1995

X-ray analysis and matter distribution in the lens-cluster Abell 2390

We present a deep X-ray ROSAT/HRI observation of the rich cluster-lens Abell 2390 and the analysis of the gas and matter distribution in the cluster. The X-ray centroid coincides with the location of the central cD galaxy, and the core appears to be dominated by a massive cooling flow, one of the strongest ones ever studied. On larger scales, the X-ray distribution is elliptical and locally distorted by a significant ``sub-structure" located some 100 $h^{-1}$ kpc from the center. The mass of this sub-structureis estimated to be $\sim$ 1/20 of the total cluster mass and appears tobe associated with an enhancement in the galaxy distribution, in the region where the giant ``straight arc" and several arclets are observed. A simple lens model basedon the geometrical properties of the X-ray gas shows that this sub-structure allows to explain in a simple manner the peculiar shape of the arc and puts strong constraints on the total mass distribution in the central part of this cluster. The derived M/L in the central part of the cluster is found to be around 250 in solar units, a rather common value compared with other cluster-lenses. Moreover, the link between the matter distribution derived from the lens model and the density profile issued from the X-ray map analysis is used to infer the temperature profile in the cluster. This profile shows a significant decrease near the center, in agreement with the existence of the cooling flow. Both X-ray and lensing constraints are tied together to give a consistent picture of the dynamics of the central part of A2390.

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arXiv1995

The Core of Cluster-Lenses

The gravitational lensing of faint background galaxies by rich clusters is emerging as a very efficient method to constrain both the mass distribution of cluster of galaxies and probe the statistical properties of faint background galaxies. We review here the results concerning the core of cluster lenses, where recent Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images are giving a new insight in the gravitational distortion phenomena.

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