arXiv subjects

Michael Gladders

Publications and source records attributed to Michael Gladders.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Resolving Clumpy vs. Extended Ly-$\alpha$ In Strongly Lensed, High-Redshift Ly-$\alpha$ Emitters

We present six strongly gravitationally lensed Ly-$\alpha$ Emitters (LAEs) at $z\sim4-5$ with HST narrowband imaging isolating Ly-$\alpha$. Through complex radiative transfer Ly-$\alpha$ encodes information about the spatial distribution and kinematics of the neutral hydrogen upon which it scatters. We investigate the galaxy properties and Ly-$\alpha$ morphologies of our sample. Many previous studies of high-redshift LAEs have been limited in Ly-$\alpha$ spatial resolution. In this work we take advantage of high-resolution Ly-$\alpha$ imaging boosted by lensing magnification, allowing us to probe sub-galactic scales that are otherwise inaccessible at these redshifts. We use broadband imaging from HST (rest-frame UV) and Spitzer (rest-frame optical) in SED fitting; providing estimates on the stellar masses ($\sim 10^8 - 10^9 M_{\odot}$), stellar population ages ($t_{50} <40$ Myr), and amounts of dust ($A_V \sim 0.1 - 0.6$, statistically consistent with zero). We employ non-parametric star-formation histories to probe the young stellar-populations which create Ly-$\alpha$. We also examine the offsets between the Ly-$\alpha$ and stellar continuum, finding small upper limits of offsets ($< 0.1"$) consistent with studies of low-redshift LAEs; indicating our galaxies are not interacting or merging. Finally, we find a bimodality in our sample's Ly-$\alpha$ morphologies: clumpy and extended. We find a suggestive trend: our LAEs with clumpy Ly-$\alpha$ are generally younger than the LAEs with extended Ly-$\alpha$, suggesting a possible correlation with age.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2022

Revealing the Nature of a Lyman-$α$ Halo in a Strongly Lensed Interacting System at $z=2.92$

Spatially extended halos of H I Ly$α$ emission are now ubiquitously found around high-redshift star-forming galaxies. But our understanding of the nature and powering mechanisms of these halos is still hampered by the complex radiative transfer effects of the Ly$α$ line and limited angular resolution. In this paper, we present resolved Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) observations of SGAS J122651.3+215220, a strongly-lensed pair of $L^{*}$ galaxies at $z=2.92$ embedded in a Ly$α$ halo of $L_{Lyα}=(6.2\pm1.3)\times10^{42}$ erg s$^{-1}$. Globally, the system shows a line profile that is markedly asymmetric and redshifted, but its width and peak shift vary significantly across the halo. By fitting the spatially binned Ly$α$ spectra with a collection of radiative transfer galactic wind models, we infer a mean outflow expansion velocity of $\approx 211$ km s$^{-1}$, with higher values preferentially found on both sides of the system's major axis. The velocity of the outflow is validated with the blueshift of low-ionization metal absorption lines in the spectra of the central galaxies. We also identify a faint ($M_{1500} \approx -16.7$) companion detected in both Ly$α$ and the continuum, whose properties are in agreement with a predicted population of satellite galaxies that contribute to the extended Ly$α$ emission. Finally, we briefly discuss the impact of the interaction between the central galaxies on the properties of the halo and the possibility of in situ fluorescent Ly$α$ production.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

The HST See Change Program: I. Survey Design, Pipeline, and Supernova Discoveries

The See Change survey was designed to make $z>1$ cosmological measurements by efficiently discovering high-redshift Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and improving cluster mass measurements through weak lensing. This survey observed twelve galaxy clusters with the Hubble Space Telescope spanning the redshift range $z=1.13$ to $1.75$, discovering 57 likely transients and 27 likely SNe Ia at $z\sim 0.8-2.3$. As in similar previous surveys (Dawson et al. 2009), this proved to be a highly efficient use of HST for SN observations; the See Change survey additionally tested the feasibility of maintaining, or further increasing, the efficiency at yet higher redshifts, where we have less detailed information on the expected cluster masses and star-formation rates. We find that the resulting number of SNe Ia per orbit is a factor of $\sim 8$ higher than for a field search, and 45% of our orbits contained an active SN Ia within 22 rest-frame days of peak, with one of the clusters by itself yielding 6 of the SNe Ia. We present the survey design, pipeline, and SN discoveries. Novel features include fully blinded SN searches, the first random forest candidate classifier for undersampled IR data (with a 50% detection threshold within 0.05 magnitudes of human searchers), real-time forward-modeling photometry of candidates, and semi-automated photometric classifications and follow-up forecasts. We also describe the spectroscopic follow-up, instrumental in measuring host-galaxy redshifts. The cosmology analysis of our sample will be presented in a companion paper.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Dynamical Modeling of the CIV Broad Line Region of the $z=2.805$ Multiply Imaged Quasar SDSS J2222+2745

We present CIV BLR modeling results for the multiply imaged $z=2.805$ quasar SDSS J2222+2745. Using data covering a 5.3 year baseline after accounting for gravitational time delays, we find models that can reproduce the observed emission-line spectra and integrated CIV fluctuations. The models suggest a thick disk BLR that is inclined by $\sim$40 degrees to the observer's line of sight and with a emissivity weighted median radius of $r_{\rm median} = 33.0^{+2.4}_{-2.1}$ light days. The kinematics are dominated by near-circular Keplerian motion with the remainder inflowing. The rest-frame lag one would measure from the models is $τ_{\rm median} = 36.4^{+1.8}_{-1.8}$ days, which is consistent with measurements based on cross-correlation. We show a possible geometry and transfer function based on the model fits and find that the model-produced velocity-resolved lags are consistent with those from cross-correlation. We measure a black hole mass of $\log_{10}(M_{\rm BH}/M_\odot) = 8.31^{+0.07}_{-0.06}$, which requires a scale factor of $\log_{10}(f_{{\rm mean},σ}) = 0.20^{+0.09}_{-0.07}$.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

The black hole mass of the $z=2.805$ multiply imaged quasar SDSS J2222+2745 from velocity-resolved time lags of the CIV emission line

We present the first results of a 4.5 year monitoring campaign of the three bright images of multiply imaged $z=2.805$ quasar SDSS J2222+2745 using the Gemini North Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS-N) and the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT). We take advantage of gravitational time delays to construct light curves surpassing 6 years in duration and achieve average spectroscopic cadence of 10 days during the 8 months of visibility per season. Using multiple secondary calibrators and advanced reduction techniques, we achieve percent-level spectrophotometric precision and carry out an unprecedented reverberation mapping analysis, measuring both integrated and velocity-resolved time lags for CIV. The full line lags the continuum by $τ_{\rm cen} = 36.5^{+2.9}_{-3.9}$ rest-frame days. We combine our measurement with published CIV lags and derive the $r_{\rm BLR}-L$ relationship $\log_{10}( τ/ {\rm day}) = (1.00\pm 0.08) + (0.48\pm 0.04) \log_{10}[λL_λ(1350{Å})/10^{44}~{\rm erg ~s}^{-1}]$ with 0.32$\pm$0.06 dex intrinsic scatter. The velocity-resolved lags are consistent with circular Keplerian orbits, with $τ_{\rm cen} = 86.2^{+4.5}_{-5.0}$, $25^{+11}_{-15}$, and $7.5^{+4.2}_{-3.5}$ rest-frame days for the core, blue wing, and red wing, respectively. Using $σ_{\rm line}$ with the mean spectrum and assuming $\log_{10} (f_{{\rm mean},σ}) = 0.52 \pm 0.26$, we derive $\log_{10}(M_{\rm BH}/M_{\odot}) = 8.63 \pm 0.27$. Given the quality of the data, this system represents a unique benchmark for calibration of $M_{\rm BH}$ estimators at high redshift. Future work will present dynamical modeling of the data to constrain the virial factor $f$ and $M_{\rm BH}$.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

The production and escape of ionizing photons from galaxies over cosmic time (Astro2020 Science White Paper)

The ionizing photons produced by massive stars are key actors in galaxy evolution. Ionizing photon production and escape is poorly understood. Improved space-based, spatially-resolved, multiplexed spectroscopic capabilities covering observed wavelengths of 1000 to 3000 Angstrom, in concert with spectroscopy from the ELTs and JWST, would lead to definitive answers as to how ionizing photons are produced and leaked, what populations of galaxies are responsible for ionizing photon leakage, what determines whether escape is possible, and how ionizing galaxy populations evolve over cosmic time.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

VLT/Magellan spectroscopy of 29 strong lensing selected galaxy clusters

We present an extensive spectroscopic follow-up campaign of 29 strong lensing (SL) selected galaxy clusters discovered primarily in the Second Red-Sequence Cluster Survey (RCS-2). Our spectroscopic analysis yields redshifts for 52 gravitational arcs present in the core of our galaxy clusters, which correspond to 35 distinct background sources that are clearly distorted by the gravitational potential of these clusters. These lensed galaxies span a wide redshift range of $0.8 \le z \le 2.9$, with a median redshift of $z_s = 1.8 \pm 0.1 $. We also measure reliable redshifts for 1004 cluster members, allowing us to obtain robust velocity dispersion measurements for 23 of these clusters, which we then use to determine their dynamical masses by using a simulation-based $σ_{DM} - M_{200}$ scaling relation. The redshift and mass ranges covered by our SL sample are $0.22 \le z \le 1.01$ and $5 \times10^{13} \le M_{200}/h^{-1}_{70}M_{\odot} \le 1.9\times10^{15}$, respectively. We analyze and quantify some possible effects that might bias our mass estimates, such as the presence of substructure, the region where cluster members are selected for spectroscopic follow-up, the final number of confirmed members, and line-of-sight effects. We find that 10 clusters of our sample with $N_{mem} \gtrsim 20$ show signs of dynamical substructure. However, the velocity data of only one system is inconsistent with a uni-modal distribution. We therefore assume that the substructures are only marginal and not of comparable size to the clusters themselves. Consequently, our velocity dispersion and mass estimates can be used as priors for SL mass reconstruction studies and also represent an important step toward a better understanding of the properties of the SL galaxy cluster population.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2013

The X-ray Properties of Optically Selected Clusters of Galaxies

We present the results of Chandra and Suzaku X-ray observations of nine moderate-redshift (0.16 < z < 0.42) clusters discovered via the Red-sequence Cluster Survey (RCS). Surface brightness profiles are fitted to beta models, gas masses are determined, integrated spectra are extracted within R2500, and X-ray temperatures and luminosities are inferred. The Lx-Tx relationship expected from self-similar evolution is tested by comparing this sample to our previous X-ray investigation of nine high-redshift (0.6 < z < 1.0) optically selected clusters. We find that optically selected clusters are systematically less luminous than X-ray selected clusters of similar X-ray temperature at both moderate and high-z. We are unable to constrain evolution in the Lx-Tx relation with these data, but find it consistent with no evolution, within relatively large uncertainties. To investigate selection effects, we compare the X-ray properties of our sample to those of clusters in the representative X-ray selected REXCESS sample, also determined within R2500. We find that while RCS cluster X-ray properties span the entire range of those of massive clusters selected by other methods, their average X-ray properties are most similar to those of dynamically disturbed X-ray selected clusters. This similarity suggests that the true cluster distribution might contain a higher fraction of disturbed objects than are typically detected in X-ray selected surveys.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2012

The impact of camera optical alignments on weak lensing measures for the Dark Energy Survey

Telescope Point Spread Function (PSF) quality is critical for realising the potential of cosmic weak lensing observations to constrain dark energy and test General Relativity. In this paper we use quantitative weak gravitational lensing measures to inform the precision of lens optical alignment, with specific reference to the Dark Energy Survey (DES). We compute optics spot diagrams and calculate the shear and flexion of the PSF as a function of position on the focal plane. For perfect optical alignment we verify the high quality of the DES optical design, finding a maximum PSF contribution to the weak lensing shear of 0.04 near the edge of the focal plane. However this can be increased by a factor of approximately three if the lenses are only just aligned within their maximum specified tolerances. We calculate the E and B-mode shear and flexion variance as a function of de-centre or tilt of each lens in turn. We find tilt accuracy to be a few times more important than de-centre, depending on the lens considered. Finally we consider the compound effect of de-centre and tilt of multiple lenses simultaneously, by sampling from a plausible range of values of each parameter. We find that the compound effect can be around twice as detrimental as when considering any one lens alone. Furthermore, this combined effect changes the conclusions about which lens is most important to align accurately. For DES, the tilt of the first two lenses is the most important.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2012

The Herschel Filament: a signature of the environmental drivers of galaxy evolution during the assembly of massive clusters at z=0.9

We have discovered a 2.5 Mpc (projected) long filament of infrared-bright galaxies connecting two of the three ~5x10^14 Msun clusters making up the RCS 2319+00 supercluster at z=0.9. The filament is revealed in a deep Herschel Spectral and Photometric Imaging REceiver (SPIRE) map that shows 250-500um emission associated with a spectroscopically identified filament of galaxies spanning two X-ray bright cluster cores. We estimate that the total (8-1000um) infrared luminosity of the filament is Lir~5x10^12 Lsun, which, if due to star formation alone, corresponds to a total SFR 900 Msun/yr. We are witnessing the scene of the build-up of a >10^15 Msun cluster of galaxies, seen prior to the merging of three massive components, each of which already contains a population of red, passive galaxies that formed at z>2. The infrared filament demonstrates that significant stellar mass assembly is taking place in the moderate density, dynamically active circumcluster environments of the most massive clusters at high-redshift, and this activity is concomitant with the hierarchical build-up of large scale structure.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2011

The WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey: High Resolution Kinematics of Luminous Star-Forming Galaxies

We report evidence of ordered orbital motion in luminous star-forming galaxies at z~1.3. We present integral field spectroscopy (IFS) observations, performed with the OH Suppressing InfraRed Imaging Spectrograph (OSIRIS) system, assisted by laser guide star adaptive optics on the Keck telescope, of 13 star-forming galaxies selected from the WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey. Selected via ultraviolet and [OII] emission, the large volume of the WiggleZ survey allows the selection of sources which have comparable intrinsic luminosity and stellar mass to IFS samples at z>2. Multiple 1-2 kpc size sub-components of emission, or 'clumps', are detected within the Halpha spatial emission which extends over 6-10 kpc in 4 galaxies, resolved compact emission (r<3 kpc) is detected in 5 galaxies, and extended regions of Halpha emission are observed in the remaining 4 galaxies. We discuss these data in the context of different snapshots in a merger sequence and/or the evolutionary stages of coalescence of star-forming regions in an unstable disk. We find evidence of ordered orbital motion in galaxies as expected from disk models and the highest values of velocity dispersion (σ>100 km/s) in the most compact sources. This unique data set reveals that the most luminous star-forming galaxies at z>1 are gaseous unstable disks indicating that a different mode of star formation could be feeding gas to galaxies at z>1, and lending support to theories of cold dense gas flows from the intergalactic medium.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2009

The WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey: Survey Design and First Data Release

The WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey is a survey of 240,000 emission line galaxies in the distant universe, measured with the AAOmega spectrograph on the 3.9-m Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT). The target galaxies are selected using ultraviolet photometry from the GALEX satellite, with a flux limit of NUV<22.8 mag. The redshift range containing 90% of the galaxies is 0.2<z<1.0. The primary aim of the survey is to precisely measure the scale of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) imprinted on the spatial distribution of these galaxies at look-back times of 4-8 Gyrs. Detailed forecasts indicate the survey will measure the BAO scale to better than 2% and the tangential and radial acoustic wave scales to approximately 3% and 5%, respectively. This paper provides a detailed description of the survey and its design, as well as the spectroscopic observations, data reduction, and redshift measurement techniques employed. It also presents an analysis of the properties of the target galaxies, including emission line diagnostics which show that they are mostly extreme starburst galaxies, and Hubble Space Telescope images, which show they contain a high fraction of interacting or distorted systems. In conjunction with this paper, we make a public data release of data for the first 100,000 galaxies measured for the project.

astro-ph.CO↗