arXiv subjects

R. M. González Delgado

Publications and source records attributed to R. M. González Delgado.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

J-PLUS: The Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey

J-PLUS is an ongoing 12-band photometric optical survey, observing thousands of square degrees of the Northern hemisphere from the dedicated JAST/T80 telescope at the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre. T80Cam is a 2 sq.deg field-of-view camera mounted on this 83cm-diameter telescope, and is equipped with a unique system of filters spanning the entire optical range. This filter system is a combination of broad, medium and narrow-band filters, optimally designed to extract the rest-frame spectral features (the 3700-4000Å Balmer break region, H$δ$, Ca H+K, the G-band, the Mgb and Ca triplets) that are key to both characterize stellar types and to deliver a low-resolution photo-spectrum for each pixel of the sky observed. With a typical depth of AB $\sim 21.25$ mag per band, this filter set thus allows for an indiscriminate and accurate characterization of the stellar population in our Galaxy, it provides an unprecedented 2D photo-spectral information for all resolved galaxies in the local universe, as well as accurate photo-z estimates ($Δ\,z\sim 0.01-0.03$) for moderately bright (up to $r\sim 20$ mag) extragalactic sources. While some narrow band filters are designed for the study of particular emission features ([OII]/$λ$3727, H$α$/$λ$6563) up to $z < 0.015$, they also provide well-defined windows for the analysis of other emission lines at higher redshifts. As a result, J-PLUS has the potential to contribute to a wide range of fields in Astrophysics, both in the nearby universe (Milky Way, 2D IFU-like studies, stellar populations of nearby and moderate redshift galaxies, clusters of galaxies) and at high redshifts (ELGs at $z\approx 0.77, 2.2$ and $4.4$, QSOs, etc). With this paper, we release $\sim 36$ sq.deg of J-PLUS data, containing about $1.5\times 10^5$ stars and $10^5$ galaxies at $r<21$ mag.

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arXiv2018

High redshift galaxies in the ALHAMBRA survey: II. strengthening the evidence of bright-end excess in UV luminosity functions at 2.5 <= z <= 4.5 by PDF analysis

Context. Knowing the exact shape of the UV luminosity function of high-redshift galaxies is important in order to understand the star formation history of the early universe. However, the uncertainties, especially at the faint and bright ends of the LFs, are still significant. Aims. In this paper, we study the UV luminosity function of redshift z = 2.5 - 4.5 galaxies in 2.38 deg^2 of ALHAMBRA data with I <= 24. Thanks to the large area covered by ALHAMBRA, we particularly constrain the bright end of the luminosity function. We also calculate the cosmic variance and the corresponding bias values for our sample and derive their host dark matter halo masses. Methods. We use a novel methodology based on redshift and magnitude probability distribution functions (PDFs). This methodology robustly takes into account the uncertainties due to redshift and magnitude errors, shot noise and cosmic variance, and models the luminosity function in two dimensions (z; M_UV ). Results. We find an excess of bright ~ M*_UV galaxies as compared to the studies based on broad-band photometric data. However, our results agree well with the luminosity function of the magnitude-selected spectroscopic VVDS data. We measure high bias values, b ~ 8 - 10, that are compatible with the previous measurements considering the redshifts and magnitudes of our galaxies and further reinforce the real high-redshift nature of our bright galaxies. Conclusions. We call into question the shape of the luminosity function at its bright end; is it a double power-law as suggested by the recent broad-band photometric studies or rather a brighter Schechter function, as suggested by our multi-filter analysis and the spectroscopic VVDS data.

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arXiv2018

The cosmic evolution of the spatially-resolved star formation rate and stellar mass of the CALIFA survey

We investigate the cosmic evolution of the absolute and specific star formation rate (SFR, sSFR) of galaxies as derived from a spatially-resolved study of the stellar populations in a set of 366 nearby galaxies from the CALIFA survey. The analysis combines GALEX and SDSS images with the 4000 break, H_beta, and [MgFe] indices measured from the datacubes, to constrain parametric models for the SFH, which are then used to study the cosmic evolution of the star formation rate density (SFRD), the sSFR, the main sequence of star formation (MSSF), and the stellar mass density (SMD). A delayed-tau model, provides the best results, in good agreement with those obtained from cosmological surveys. Our main results from this model are: a) The time since the onset of the star formation is larger in the inner regions than in the outer ones, while tau is similar or smaller in the inner than in the outer regions. b) The sSFR declines rapidly as the Universe evolves, and faster for early than for late type galaxies, and for the inner than for the outer regions of galaxies. c) SFRD and SMD agree well with results from cosmological surveys. At z< 0.5, most star formation takes place in the outer regions of late spiral galaxies, while at z>2 the inner regions of the progenitors of the current E and S0 are the major contributors to SFRD. d) The inner regions of galaxies are the major contributor to SMD at z> 0.5, growing their mass faster than the outer regions, with a lookback time at 50% SMD of 9 and 6 Gyr for the inner and outer regions. e) The MSSF follows a power-law at high redshift, with the slope evolving with time, but always being sub-linear. f) In agreement with galaxy surveys at different redshifts, the average SFH of CALIFA galaxies indicates that galaxies grow their mass mainly in a mode that is well represented by a delayed-tau model, with the peak at z~2 and an e-folding time of 3.9 Gyr.

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arXiv2017

The spatially resolved star formation history of CALIFA galaxies: Cosmic time scales

This paper presents the mass assembly time scales of nearby galaxies observed by CALIFA at the 3.5m telescope in Calar Alto. We apply the fossil record method of the stellar populations to the complete sample of the 3rd CALIFA data release, with a total of 661 galaxies, covering stellar masses from 10$^{8.4}$ to 10$^{12}$ M$_{\odot}$ and a wide range of Hubble types. We apply spectral synthesis techniques to the datacubes and process the results to produce the mass growth time scales and mass weighted ages, from which we obtain temporal and spatially resolved information in seven bins of galaxy morphology and six bins of stellar mass (M$_{\star}$) and stellar mass surface density ($Σ_{\star}$). We use three different tracers of the spatially resolved star formation history (mass assembly curves, ratio of half mass to half light radii, and mass-weighted age gradients) to test if galaxies grow inside-out, and its dependence with galaxy stellar mass, $Σ_{\star}$, and morphology. Our main results are as follows: (a) The innermost regions of galaxies assemble their mass at an earlier time than regions located in the outer parts; this happens at any given M$_{\star}$, $Σ_{\star}$, or Hubble type, including the lowest mass systems. (b) Galaxies present a significant diversity in their characteristic formation epochs for lower-mass systems. This diversity shows a strong dependence of the mass assembly time scales on $Σ_{\star}$ and Hubble type in the lower-mass range (10$^{8.4}$ to 10$^{10.4}$), but a very mild dependence in higher-mass bins. (c) All galaxies show negative $\langle$log age$\rangle_{M}$ gradients in the inner 1 HLR. The profile flattens with increasing values of $Σ_{\star}$. There is no significant dependence on M$_{\star}$ within a particular $Σ_{\star}$ bin, except for the lowest bin, where the gradients becomes steeper.

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arXiv2017

The ALHAMBRA survey: 2-D analysis of the stellar populations in massive early-type galaxies at z < 0.3

We present a technique that permits the analysis of stellar population gradients in a relatively low cost way compared to IFU surveys analyzing a vastly larger samples as well as out to larger radii. We developed a technique to analyze unresolved stellar populations of spatially resolved galaxies based on photometric multi-filter surveys. We derived spatially resolved stellar population properties and radial gradients by applying a Centroidal Voronoi Tesselation and performing a multi-color photometry SED fitting. This technique has been applied to a sample of 29 massive (M$_{\star}$ > 10$^{10.5}$ M$_{\odot}$), early-type galaxies at $z$ < 0.3 from the ALHAMBRA survey. We produced detailed 2D maps of stellar population properties (age, metallicity and extinction). Radial structures have been studied and luminosity-weighted and mass-weighted gradients have been derived out to 2 - 3.5 R$_\mathrm{eff}$. We find the gradients of early-type galaxies to be on average flat in age ($\nabla$log Age$_\mathrm{L}$ = 0.02 $\pm$ 0.06 dex/R$_\mathrm{eff})$ and negative in metallicity ($\nabla$[Fe/H]$_\mathrm{L}$ = - 0.09 $\pm$ 0.06 dex/R$_\mathrm{eff}$). Overall, the extinction gradients are flat ($\nabla$A$_\mathrm{v}$ = - 0.03 $\pm$ 0.09 mag/R$_\mathrm{eff}$ ) with a wide spread. These results are in agreement with previous studies that used standard long-slit spectroscopy as well as with the most recent integral field unit (IFU) studies. According to recent simulations, these results are consistent with a scenario where early-type galaxies were formed through major mergers and where their final gradients are driven by the older ages and higher metallicity of the accreted systems. We demonstrate the scientific potential of multi-filter photometry to explore the spatially resolved stellar populations of local galaxies and confirm previous spectroscopic trends from a complementary technique.

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arXiv2017

The spatially resolved star formation history of mergers: A comparative study of the LIRGs IC1623, NGC6090, NGC2623, and Mice

This paper presents the spatially resolved star formation history (2D-SFH) of a small sample of four local mergers: the early-stage mergers IC1623, NGC6090, and the Mice, and the more advanced merger NGC2623, by analyzing IFS data from the CALIFA survey and PMAS in LArr mode. Full spectral fitting techniques are applied to the datacubes to obtain the spatially resolved mass growth histories, the time evolution of the star formation rate intensity ($Σ_{SFR}$), and the local specific star formation rate, over three different timescales (30 Myr, 300 Myr, and 1 Gyr). The results are compared with non-interacting Sbc--Sc galaxies, to quantify if there is an enhancement of the star formation and to trace its time scale and spatial extent. Our results for the three LIRGs (IC1623W, NGC6090, and NGC2623) show that a major phase of star formation is occurring in time scales of 10$^{7}$ yr to few 10$^{8}$ yr, with global SFR enhancements of $\sim$2--6 with respect to main-sequence star forming (MSSF) galaxies. In the two early-stage mergers IC1623W and NGC6090, which are between first pericenter passage and coalescence, the most remarkable increase of the SFR with respect to non-interacting spirals occurred in the last 30 Myr, and it is spatially extended, with enhancements of factors 2--7 both in the centres ($r <$ 0.5 half light radius, HLR), and in the disks ($r >$ 1 HLR). In the more advanced merger NGC 2623 an extended phase of star formation occurred on a longer time-scale of $\sim$1 Gyr, with a SFR enhancement of a factor $\sim$2--3 larger than the one in Sbc--Sc MSSF galaxies over the same period, probably relic of the first pericenter passage epoch. A SFR enhancement in the last 30 Myr is also present, but only in NGC2623 centre, by a factor 3. In general, the spatially resolved SFHs of the LIRG-mergers are consistent with the predictions from high spatial resolution simulations.

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arXiv2017

The PyCASSO database: Spatially resolved stellar population properties for CALIFA galaxies

The Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area (CALIFA) survey, a pioneer in integral field spectroscopy legacy projects, has fostered many studies exploring the information encoded on the spatially resolved data on gaseous and stellar features in the optical range of galaxies. We describe a value-added catalogue of stellar population properties for CALIFA galaxies analysed with the spectral synthesis code STARLIGHT and processed with the PyCASSO platform. Our public data base (http://pycasso.ufsc.br/, mirror at http://pycasso.iaa.es/) comprises 445 galaxies from the CALIFA Data Release 3 with COMBO data. The catalogue provides maps for the stellar mass surface density, mean stellar ages and metallicities, stellar dust attenuation, star formation rates, and kinematics. Example applications both for individual galaxies and for statistical studies are presented to illustrate the power of this data set. We revisit and update a few of our own results on mass density radial profiles and on the local mass-metallicity relation. We also show how to employ the catalogue for new investigations, and show a pseudo Schmidt-Kennicutt relation entirely made with information extracted from the stellar continuum. Combinations to other databases are also illustrated. Among other results, we find a very good agreement between star formation rate surface densities derived from the stellar continuum and the $\mathrm{H}α$ emission. This public catalogue joins the scientific community's effort towards transparency and reproducibility, and will be useful for researchers focusing on (or complementing their studies with) stellar properties of CALIFA galaxies.

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arXiv2017

The spatially-resolved star formation histories of CALIFA galaxies: Implications for galaxy formation

This paper presents the spatially resolved star formation history (SFH) of nearby galaxies with the aim of furthering our understanding of the different processes involved in the formation and evolution of galaxies. To this end, we apply the fossil record method of stellar population synthesis to a rich and diverse data set of 436 galaxies observed with integral field spectroscopy in the CALIFA survey. The sample covers a wide range of Hubble types, with stellar masses ranging from $M_\star \sim 10^9$ to $7 \times 10^{11} M_\odot$. Spectral synthesis techniques are applied to the datacubes to retrieve the spatially resolved time evolution of the star formation rate (SFR), its intensity ($Σ_{\rm SFR}$), and other descriptors of the 2D-SFH in seven bins of galaxy morphology (E, S0, Sa, Sb, Sbc, Sc, and Sd), and five bins of stellar mass. Our main results are: a) Galaxies form very fast independently of their current stellar mass, with the peak of star formation at high redshift ($z > 2$). Subsequent star formation is driven by $M_\star$ and morphology, with less massive and later type spirals showing more prolonged periods of star formation. b) At any epoch in the past the SFR is proportional to $M_\star$, with most massive galaxies having the highest absolute (but lowest specific) SFRs. c) While nowadays $Σ_{\rm SFR}$ is similar for all spirals, and significantly lower in early type galaxies (ETG), in the past $Σ_{\rm SFR}$ scales well with morphology. The central regions of today's ETGs are where $Σ_{\rm SFR}$ reached the highest values ($> 10^3 \,M_\odot\,$Gyr$^{-1}\,$pc$^{-2}$), similar to those measured in high redshift star forming galaxies. d) The evolution of $Σ_{\rm SFR}$ in Sbc systems matches that of models for Milky-Way-like galaxies, suggesting that the formation of a thick disk may be a common phase in spirals at early epochs.

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arXiv2017

The spatially resolved stellar population and ionized gas properties in the merger LIRG NGC 2623

We report on a detailed study of the stellar populations and ionized gas properties in the merger LIRG NGC 2623, analysing optical Integral Field Spectroscopy from the CALIFA survey and PMAS LArr, multiwavelength HST imaging, and OSIRIS narrow band H$α$ and [NII]$λ$6584 imaging. The spectra were processed with the STARLIGHT full spectral fitting code, and the results compared with those for two early-stage merger LIRGs (IC 1623 W and NGC 6090), together with CALIFA Sbc/Sc galaxies. We find that NGC 2623 went through two periods of increased star formation (SF), a first and widespread episode, traced by intermediate-age stellar populations ISP (140 Myr-1.4 Gyr), and a second one, traced by young stellar populations YSP ($<$140 Myr), which is concentrated in the central regions ($<$1.4 kpc). Our results are in agreement with the epochs of the first peri-center passage ($\sim$200 Myr ago) and coalescence ($<$100 Myr ago) predicted by dynamical models, and with high resolution merger simulations in the literature, consistent with NGC 2623 representing an evolved version of the early-stage mergers. Most ionized gas is concentrated within $<$2.8 kpc, where LINER-like ionization and high velocity dispersion ($\sim$220 km/s) are found, consistent with the previously reported outflow. As revealed by the highest resolution OSIRIS and HST data, a collection of HII regions is also present in the plane of the galaxy, which explains the mixture of ionization mechanisms in this system. It is unlikely that the outflow in NGC 2623 will escape from the galaxy, given the low SFR intensity ($\sim$0.5 M$_{\odot}$yr$^{-1}$kpc$^{-2}$), the fact that the outflow rate is 3 times lower than the current SFR, and the escape velocity in the central areas higher than the outflow velocity.

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arXiv2017

A combined photometric and kinematic recipe for evaluating the nature of bulges using the CALIFA sample

Understanding the nature of bulges in disc galaxies can provide important insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies. For instance, the presence of a classical bulge suggests a relatively violent history, in contrast, the presence of simply an inner disc (also referred to as a "pseudobulge") indicates the occurrence of secular evolution processes in the main disc. However, we still lack criteria to effectively categorise bulges, limiting our ability to study their impact on the evolution of the host galaxies. Here we present a recipe to separate inner discs from classical bulges by combining four different parameters from photometric and kinematic analyses: The bulge Sérsic index $n_\mathrm{b}$, the concentration index $C_{20,50}$, the Kormendy (1977) relation and the inner slope of the radial velocity dispersion profile $\nablaσ$. With that recipe we provide a detailed bulge classification for a sample of 45 galaxies from the integral-field spectroscopic survey CALIFA. To aid in categorising bulges within these galaxies, we perform 2D image decomposition to determine bulge Sérsic index, bulge-to-total light ratio, surface brightness and effective radius of the bulge and use growth curve analysis to derive a new concentration index, $C_{20,50}$. We further extract the stellar kinematics from CALIFA data cubes and analyse the radial velocity dispersion profile. The results of the different approaches are in good agreement and allow a safe classification for approximately $95\%$ of the galaxies. In particular, we show that our new "inner" concentration index performs considerably better than the traditionally used $C_{50,90}$ when yielding the nature of bulges. We also found that a combined use of this index and the Kormendy (1977) relation gives a very robust indication of the physical nature of the bulge.

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arXiv2017

Star formation histories in mergers: The spatially resolved properties of the early-stage merger LIRGs IC 1623 and NGC 6090

The role of major mergers in galaxy evolution is investigated through a detailed characterization of the stellar populations, ionized gas properties, and star formation rates (SFR) in the early-stage merger LIRGs IC 1623 W and NGC 6090, by analysing optical Integral Field Spectroscopy (IFS) and high resolution HST imaging. The spectra were processed with the Starlight full spectral fitting code, and the emission lines measured in the residual spectra. The results are compared with control non-interacting spiral galaxies from the CALIFA survey. Merger-induced star formation is extended and recent, as revealed by the young ages (50-80 Myr) and high contributions to light of young stellar populations (50-90$\%$), in agreement with merger simulations in the literature. These early-stage mergers have positive central gradients of the stellar metallicity, with an average $\sim$0.6 Z$_{\odot}$. Compared to non-interacting spirals, they have lower central nebular metallicity, and flatter profiles, in agreement with the gas inflow scenario. We find that they are dominated by star formation, although shock excitation cannot be discarded in some regions, where high velocity dispersion is found (170-200 km s$^{-1}$). The average SFR in these early-stage mergers ($\sim$23-32 M$_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$) is enhanced with respect to main-sequence Sbc galaxies by factors of 6-9, slightly above the predictions from classical merger simulations, but still possible in about 15$\%$ of major galaxy mergers, where U/LIRGs belong.

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arXiv2017

Star formation driven galactic winds in UGC 10043

We study the galactic wind in the edge-on spiral galaxy UGC 10043 with the combination of the CALIFA integral field spectroscopy data, scanning Fabry-Perot interferometry (FPI), and multiband photometry. We detect ionized gas in the extraplanar regions reaching a relatively high distance, up to ~ 4 kpc above the galactic disk. The ionized gas line ratios ([N ii]/Ha, [S ii]/Ha and [O i]/Ha) present an enhancement along the semi minor axis, in contrast with the values found at the disk, where they are compatible with ionization due to H ii-regions. These differences, together with the biconic symmetry of the extra-planar ionized structure, makes UGC 10043 a clear candidate for a galaxy with gas outflows ionizated by shocks. From the comparison of shock models with the observed line ratios, and the kinematics observed from the FPI data, we constrain the physical properties of the observed outflow. The data are compatible with a velocity increase of the gas along the extraplanar distances up to < 400 km/s and the preshock density decreasing in the same direction. We also observe a discrepancy in the SFR estimated based on Ha (0.36 Msun/yr ) and the estimated with the CIGALE code, being the latter 5 times larger. Nevertheless, this SFR is still not enough to drive the observed galactic wind if we do not take into account the filling factor. We stress that the combination of the three techniques of observation with models is a powerful tool to explore galactic winds in the Local Universe.

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arXiv2016

The ALHAMBRA survey : $B-$band luminosity function of quiescent and star-forming galaxies at $0.2 \leq z < 1$ by PDF analysis

Our goal is to study the evolution of the $B-$band luminosity function (LF) since $z=1$ using ALHAMBRA data. We used the photometric redshift and the $I-$band selection magnitude probability distribution functions (PDFs) of those ALHAMBRA galaxies with $I\leq24$ mag to compute the posterior LF. We statistically studied quiescent and star-forming galaxies using the template information encoded in the PDFs. The LF covariance matrix in redshift-magnitude-galaxy type space was computed, including the cosmic variance. That was estimated from the intrinsic dispersion of the LF measurements in the 48 ALHAMBRA sub-fields. The uncertainty due to the photometric redshift prior is also included in our analysis. We modelled the LF with a redshift-dependent Schechter function affected by the same selection effects than the data. The measured ALHAMBRA LF at $0.2\leq z<1$ and the evolving Schechter parameters both for quiescent and star-forming galaxies agree with previous results in the literature. The estimated redshift evolution of $M_B^* \propto Qz$ is $Q_{\rm SF}=-1.03\pm0.08$ and $Q_{\rm Q}=-0.80\pm0.08$, and of $\log ϕ^* \propto Pz$ is $P_{\rm SF}=-0.01\pm0.03$ and $P_{\rm Q}=-0.41\pm0.05$. The measured faint-end slopes are $α_{\rm SF}=-1.29\pm0.02$ and $α_{\rm Q}=-0.53\pm0.04$. We find a significant population of faint quiescent galaxies, modelled by a second Schechter function with slope $β=-1.31\pm0.11$. We find a factor $2.55\pm0.14$ decrease in the luminosity density $j_B$ of star-forming galaxies, and a factor $1.25\pm0.16$ increase in the $j_B$ of quiescent ones since $z=1$, confirming the continuous build-up of the quiescent population with cosmic time. The contribution of the faint quiescent population to $j_B$ increases from 3% at $z=1$ to 6% at $z=0$. The developed methodology will be applied to future multi-filter surveys such as J-PAS.

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arXiv2016

Stellar kinematics across the Hubble sequence in the CALIFA survey: General properties and aperture corrections

We present the stellar kinematic maps of a large sample of galaxies from the integral-field spectroscopic survey CALIFA. The sample comprises 300 galaxies displaying a wide range of morphologies across the Hubble sequence, from ellipticals to late-type spirals. This dataset allows us to homogeneously extract stellar kinematics up to several effective radii. In this paper, we describe the level of completeness of this subset of galaxies with respect to the full CALIFA sample, as well as the virtues and limitations of the kinematic extraction compared to other well-known integral-field surveys. In addition, we provide averaged integrated velocity dispersion radial profiles for different galaxy types, which are particularly useful to apply aperture corrections for single aperture measurements or poorly resolved stellar kinematics of high-redshift sources. The work presented in this paper sets the basis for the study of more general properties of galaxies that will be explored in subsequent papers of the survey.

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arXiv2016

A $K_s$-band selected catalogue of objects in the ALHAMBRA survey

The original ALHAMBRA catalogue contained over 400,000 galaxies selected using a synthetic F814W image, to the magnitude limit AB(F814W)$\approx$24.5. Given the photometric redshift depth of the ALHAMBRA multiband data ( =0.86) and the approximately $I$-band selection, there is a noticeable bias against red objects at moderate redshift. We avoid this bias by creating a new catalogue selected in the $K_s$ band. This newly obtained catalogue is certainly shallower in terms of apparent magnitude, but deeper in terms of redshift, with a significant population of red objects at $z>1$. We select objects using the $K_s$ band images, which reach an approximate AB magnitude limit $K_s \approx 22$. We generate masks and derive completeness functions to characterize the sample. We have tested the quality of the photometry and photometric redshifts using both internal and external checks. Our final catalogue includes $\approx 95,000$ sources down to $K_s \approx 22$, with a significant tail towards high redshift. We have checked that there is a large sample of objects with spectral energy distributions that correspond to that of massive, passively evolving galaxies at $z > 1$, reaching as far as $z \approx 2.5$. We have tested the possibility of combining our data with deep infrared observations at longer wavelengths, particularly Spitzer IRAC data.

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arXiv2016

The dependence of oxygen and nitrogen abundances on stellar mass from the CALIFA survey

We analysed the optical spectra of HII regions extracted from a sample of 350 galaxies of the CALIFA survey. We calculated total O/H abundances and, for the first time, N/O ratios using the semi-empirical routine HII-CHI-mistry, which, according to Pérez-Montero (2014), is consistent with the direct method and reduces the uncertainty in the O/H derivation using [NII] lines owing to the dispersion in the O/H-N/O relation. Then we performed linear fittings to the abundances as a function of the de-projected galactocentric distances. The analysis of the radial distribution both for O/H and N/O in the non-interacting galaxies reveals that both average slopes are negative, but a non-negligible fraction of objects have a flat or even a positive gradient (at least 10\% for O/H and 4\% for N/O). The slopes normalised to the effective radius appear to have a slight dependence on the total stellar mass and the morphological type, as late low-mass objects tend to have flatter slopes. No clear relation is found, however, to explain the presence of inverted gradients in this sample, and there is no dependence between the average slopes and the presence of a bar. The relation between the resulting O/H and N/O linear fittings at the effective radius is much tighter (correlation coefficient $ρ_s$ = 0.80) than between O/H and N/O slopes ($ρ_s$ = 0.39) or for O/H and N/O in the individual \hii\ regions ($ρ_s$ = 0.37). These O/H and N/O values at the effective radius also correlate very tightly (less than 0.03 dex of dispersion) with total luminosity and stellar mass. The relation with other integrated properties, such as star formation rate, colour, or morphology, can be understood only in light of the found relation with mass.

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arXiv2016

First survey of Wolf-Rayet star populations over the full extension of nearby galaxies observed with CALIFA

The search of extragalactic regions with conspicuous presence of Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars outside the Local Group is challenging task due to the difficulties in detecting their faint spectral features. In this exploratory work, we develop a methodology to perform an automated search of WR signatures through a pixel-by-pixel analysis of integral field spectroscopy (IFS) data belonging to the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area survey, CALIFA. This technique allowed us to build the first catalogue of Wolf-Rayet rich regions with spatially-resolved information, allowing to study the properties of these complexes in a 2D context. The detection technique is based on the identification of the blue WR bump (around He II 4686 Å, mainly associated to nitrogen-rich WR stars, WN) and the red WR bump (around C IV 5808 Å and associated to carbon-rich WR stars, WC) using a pixel-by-pixel analysis. We identified 44 WR-rich regions with blue bumps distributed in 25 galaxies of a total of 558. The red WR bump was identified only in 5 of those regions. We found that the majority of the galaxies hosting WR populations in our sample are involved in some kind of interaction process. Half of the host galaxies share some properties with gamma-ray burst (GRB) hosts where WR stars, as potential candidates to being the progenitors of GRBs, are found. We also compared the WR properties derived from the CALIFA data with stellar population synthesis models, and confirm that simple star models are generally not able to reproduce the observations. We conclude that other effects, such as the binary star channel (which could extend the WR phase up to 10 Myr), fast rotation or other physical processes that causes the loss of observed Lyman continuum photons, are very likely affecting the derived WR properties, and hence should be considered when modelling the evolution of massive stars.

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arXiv2016

Aperture effects on the oxygen abundance determinations from CALIFA data

This paper aims at providing aperture corrections for emission lines in a sample of spiral galaxies from the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area Survey (CALIFA) database. In particular, we explore the behavior of the log([OIII]5007/Hbeta)/([NII]6583/Halpha) (O3N2) and log[NII]6583/Halpha (N2) flux ratios since they are closely connected to different empirical calibrations of the oxygen abundances in star forming galaxies. We compute median growth curves of Halpha, Halpha/Hbeta, O3N2 and N2 up to 2.5R_50 and 1.5 disk R_eff. The growth curves simulate the effect of observing galaxies through apertures of varying radii. The median growth curve of the Halpha/Hbeta ratio monotonically decreases from the center towards larger radii, showing for small apertures a maximum value of ~10% larger than the integrated one. The median growth curve of N2 shows a similar behavior, decreasing from the center towards larger radii. No strong dependence is seen with the inclination, morphological type and stellar mass for these growth curves. Finally, the median growth curve of O3N2 increases monotonically with radius. However, at small radii it shows systematically higher values for galaxies of earlier morphological types and for high stellar mass galaxies. Applying our aperture corrections to a sample of galaxies from the SDSS survey at 0.02<=z<=0.3 shows that the average difference between fiber-based and aperture corrected oxygen abundances, for different galaxy stellar mass and redshift ranges, reaches typically to ~11%, depending on the abundance calibration used. This average difference is found to be systematically biased, though still within the typical uncertainties of oxygen abundances derived from empirical calibrations. Caution must be exercised when using observations of galaxies for small radii (e.g. below 0.5R_eff) given the high dispersion shown around the median growth curves.

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