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Xiaohui Fan

Publications and source records attributed to Xiaohui Fan.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Predicting the Yields of $z$ > 6.5 Quasar Surveys in the Era of Roman and Rubin

Around 70 $z>6.5$ luminous quasars have been discovered, strongly biased toward the bright end, thus not providing a comprehensive view on quasar abundance beyond cosmic dawn. We present the predicted results of Roman/Rubin high-redshift quasar survey, yielding 3 times more, $2-4$ magnitudes deeper quasar samples, probing high-redshift quasars across broad range of luminosities, especially faint quasars at $L_\mathrm{bol}\sim 10^{10}\;L_{\odot}$ or $M_\mathrm{1450} \sim-22$ that are currently poorly explored. We include high-$z$ quasars, galactic dwarfs and low-$z$ compact galaxies with similar colors as quasar candidates. We create mock catalogs based on population models to evaluate selection completeness and efficiency. We utilize classical color dropout method in $z$ and $Y$ bands to select primary quasar candidates, followed up with Bayesian selection method to identify quasars. We show that overall selection completeness $> 80\%$ and efficiency $\sim 10\%$ at $6.5 6.5$, 20 at $z > 7.5$ and 2 at $z > 8.5$. The quasar yields depend sensitively on the assumed quasar luminosity shape and redshift evolution. Brown dwarf rejection through proper motion up to 50$\%$ can be made for stars brighter than 25 mag, low-$z$ galaxies dominate at fainter magnitude. Our results show that Roman/Rubin are able to discover a statistical sample of the earliest and faintest quasars in the Universe. The new valuable datasets worth follow up studies with James Webb Space Telescope and Extremely Large Telescopes, to determine quasar luminosity function faint end slope and constraint the supermassive black holes growth in the early Universe.

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Probing Ultra-late Reionization: Direct Measurements of the Mean Free Path over $5<z<6$

The mean free path of ionizing photons, $λ_{\rm mfp}$, is a critical parameter for modeling the intergalactic medium (IGM) both during and after reionization. We present direct measurements of $λ_{\rm mfp}$ from QSO spectra over the redshift range $5<z<6$, including the first measurements at $z\simeq5.3$ and 5.6. Our sample includes data from the XQR-30 VLT large program, as well as new Keck/ESI observations of QSOs near $z \sim 5.5$, for which we also acquire new [C II] 158$μ$m redshifts with ALMA. By measuring the Lyman continuum transmission profile in stacked QSO spectra, we find $λ_{\rm mfp} = 9.33_{-1.80}^{+2.06}$, $5.40_{-1.40}^{+1.47}$, $3.31_{-1.34}^{+2.74}$, and $0.81_{-0.48}^{+0.73}$ pMpc at $z=5.08$, 5.31, 5.65, and 5.93, respectively. Our results demonstrate that $λ_{\rm mfp}$ increases steadily and rapidly with time over $5<z<6$. Notably, we find that $λ_{\rm mfp}$ deviates significantly from predictions based on a fully ionized and relaxed IGM as late as $z=5.3$. By comparing our results to model predictions and indirect $λ_{\rm mfp}$ constraints based on IGM Ly$α$ opacity, we find that the $λ_{\rm mfp}$ evolution is consistent with scenarios wherein the IGM is still undergoing reionization and/or retains large fluctuations in the ionizing UV background well below redshift six.

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The Eighteenth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys: Targeting and First Spectra from SDSS-V

The eighteenth data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys (SDSS) is the first one for SDSS-V, the fifth generation of the survey. SDSS-V comprises three primary scientific programs, or "Mappers": Milky Way Mapper (MWM), Black Hole Mapper (BHM), and Local Volume Mapper (LVM). This data release contains extensive targeting information for the two multi-object spectroscopy programs (MWM and BHM), including input catalogs and selection functions for their numerous scientific objectives. We describe the production of the targeting databases and their calibration- and scientifically-focused components. DR18 also includes ~25,000 new SDSS spectra and supplemental information for X-ray sources identified by eROSITA in its eFEDS field. We present updates to some of the SDSS software pipelines and preview changes anticipated for DR19. We also describe three value-added catalogs (VACs) based on SDSS-IV data that have been published since DR17, and one VAC based on the SDSS-V data in the eFEDS field.

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Astrometric Calibration of the Beijing$-$Arizona Sky Survey

We present the astrometric calibration of the Beijing-Arizona Sky Survey (BASS). The BASS astrometry was tied to the International Celestial Reference Frame via the \emph{Gaia} Data Release 2 reference catalog. For effects that were stable throughout the BASS observations, including differential chromatic refraction and the low charge transfer efficiency of the CCD, we corrected for these effects at the raw image coordinates. Fourth-order polynomial intermediate longitudinal and latitudinal corrections were used to remove optical distortions. The comparison with the \emph{Gaia} catalog shows that the systematic errors, depending on color or magnitude, are less than 2 milliarcseconds (mas). The position systematic error is estimated to be about $-0.01\pm0.7$ mas in the region between 30 and 60 degrees of declination and up to $-0.07 \pm 0.9$ mas in the region north of declination 60 degrees.

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The Spitzer Coverage of HSC-Deep with IRAC for Z studies (SHIRAZ) I: IRAC mosaics

We present new Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) 3.6 and 4.5μm mosaics of three fields, E-COSMOS, DEEP2-F3, and ELAIS-N1. Our mosaics include both new IRAC observations as well as re-processed archival data in these fields. These fields are part of the HSC-Deep grizy survey and have a wealth of additional ancillary data. The addition of these new IRAC mosaics is critical in allowing for improved photometric redshifts and stellar population parameters at cosmic noon and earlier epochs. The total area mapped by this work is {\sim} 17 deg2 with a mean integration time of {\sim}1200s, providing a median 5σ depth of 23.7(23.3) at 3.6(4.5)μm in AB. We perform SExtractor photometry both on the combined mosaics as well as the single-epoch mosaics taken {\sim}6 months apart. The resultant IRAC number counts show good agreement with previous studies. In combination with the wealth of existing and upcoming spectro-photometric data in these fields, our IRAC mosaics will enable a wide range of galactic evolution and AGN studies. With that goal in mind, we make the combined IRAC mosaics and coverage maps of these three fields publicly available. counts show good agreement with previous studies.

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What boost galaxy mergers in two massive galaxy protoclusters at z = 2.24

Characterizing the structural properties of galaxies in high-redshift protoclusters is key to our understanding of the environmental effects on galaxy evolution in the early stages of galaxy and structure formation. In this study, we assess the structural properties of 85 and 87 Halpha emission-line candidates (HAEs) in the densest regions of two massive protoclusters, BOSS1244 and BOSS1542, respectively, using HST H-band imaging data. Our results show a true pair fraction of 22+-5 (33+-6) percent in BOSS1244 (BOSS1542), which yields a merger rate of 0.41+-0.09 (0.52+-0.04) per Gyr for massive HAEs with log (M_*/M_sun) > 10.3. This rate is 1.8 (2.8) times higher than that of the general fields at the same epoch. Our sample of HAEs exhibits half-light radii and Sersic indices that cover a broader range than field star-forming galaxies. Additionally, about 15 percent of the HAEs are as compact as the most massive (log(M_*/M_sun) > 11) spheroid-dominated population. These results suggest that the high galaxy density and cold dynamical state (i.e., velocity dispersion of <400 km/s) are key factors that drive galaxy mergers and promote structural evolution in the two protoclusters. Our findings also indicate that both the local environment (on group scales) and the global environment play essential roles in shaping galaxy morphologies in protoclusters. This is evident in the systematic differences observed in the structural properties of galaxies between BOSS1244 and BOSS1542.

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Inspiraling streams of enriched gas observed around a massive galaxy 11 billion years ago

Stars form in galaxies, from gas that has been accreted from the intergalactic medium. Simulations have shown that recycling of gas-the reaccretion of gas that was previously ejected from a galaxy-could sustain star formation in the early Universe. We observe the gas surrounding a massive galaxy at redshift 2.3 and detect emission lines from neutral hydrogen, helium, and ionized carbon that extend 100 kiloparsecs from the galaxy. The kinematics of this circumgalactic gas is consistent with an inspiraling stream. The carbon abundance indicates that the gas had already been enriched with elements heavier than helium, previously ejected from a galaxy. We interpret the results as evidence of gas recycling during high-redshift galaxy assembly.

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New quasar proximity zone size measurements at $z\sim 6$ using the enlarged XQR-30 sample

Proximity zones of high-redshift quasars are unique probes of their central supermassive black holes as well as the intergalactic medium in the last stages of reionization. We present 22 new measurements of proximity zones of quasars with redshifts between 5.8 and 6.6, using the enlarged XQR-30 sample of high-resolution, high-SNR quasar spectra. The quasars in our sample have UV magnitudes of $M_{1450}\sim -27$ and black hole masses of $10^9$$\unicode{x2013}$$10^{10}$ M$_\odot$. Our inferred proximity zone sizes are 2$\unicode{x2013}$7 physical Mpc, with a typical uncertainty of less than 0.5 physical Mpc, which, for the first time, also includes uncertainty in the quasar continuum. We find that the correlation between proximity zone sizes and the quasar redshift, luminosity, or black hole mass, indicates a large diversity of quasar lifetimes. Two of our proximity zone sizes are exceptionally small. The spectrum of one of these quasars, with $z=6.02$, displays, unusually for this redshift, damping wing absorption without any detectable metal lines, which could potentially originate from the IGM. The other quasar has a high-ionization absorber $\sim$0.5 pMpc from the edge of the proximity zone. This work increases the number of proximity zone measurements available in the last stages of cosmic reionization to 87. This data will lead to better constraints on quasar lifetimes and obscuration fractions at high redshift, which in turn will help probe the seed mass and formation redshift of supermassive black holes.

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A SPectroscopic survey of biased halos In the Reionization Era (ASPIRE): A First Look at the Rest-frame Optical Spectra of $z > 6.5$ Quasars Using JWST

Studies of rest-frame optical emission in quasars at $z>6$ have historically been limited by the wavelengths accessible by ground-based telescopes. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) now offers the opportunity to probe this emission deep into the reionization epoch. We report the observations of eight quasars at $z>6.5$ using the JWST/NIRCam Wide Field Slitless Spectroscopy, as a part of the ''A SPectroscopic survey of biased halos In the Reionization Era (ASPIRE)" program. Our JWST spectra cover the quasars' emission between rest frame $\sim$ 4100 and 5100 Å. The profiles of these quasars' broad H$β$ emission lines span a FWHM from 3000 to 6000 $\rm{km~s^{-1}}$. The H$β$-based virial black hole (BH) masses, ranging from 0.6 to 2.1 billion solar masses, are generally consistent with their MgII-based BH masses. The new measurements based on the more reliable H$β$ tracer thus confirm the existence of billion solar-mass BHs in the reionization epoch. In the observed [OIII] $λλ$4960,5008 doublets of these luminous quasars, broad components are more common than narrow core components ($\le~1200~\rm{km~s^{-1}}$), and only one quasar shows stronger narrow components than broad. Two quasars exhibit significantly broad and blueshifted [OIII] emission, thought to trace galactic-scale outflows, with median velocities of $-610~\rm{km~s^{-1}}$ and $-1430~\rm{km~s^{-1}}$ relative to the [CII] $158\,μ$m line. All eight quasars show strong optical FeII emission, and follow the Eigenvector 1 relations defined by low-redshift quasars. The entire ASPIRE program will eventually cover 25 quasars and provide a statistical sample for the studies of the BHs and quasar spectral properties.

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A SPectroscopic survey of biased halos In the Reionization Era (ASPIRE): JWST Reveals a Filamentary Structure around a z=6.61 Quasar

We present the first results from the JWST ASPIRE program (A SPectroscopic survey of biased halos In the Reionization Era). This program represents an imaging and spectroscopic survey of 25 reionization-era quasars and their environments by utilizing the unprecedented capabilities of NIRCam Wide Field Slitless Spectroscopy (WFSS) mode. ASPIRE will deliver the largest ($\sim280~{\rm arcmin}^2$) galaxy redshift survey at 3-4 $μ$m among JWST Cycle-1 programs and provide extensive legacy values for studying the formation of the earliest supermassive black holes (SMBHs), the assembly of galaxies, early metal enrichment, and cosmic reionization. In this first ASPIRE paper, we report the discovery of a filamentary structure traced by the luminous quasar J0305-3150 and ten [OIII] emitters at $z=6.6$. This structure has a 3D galaxy overdensity of $δ_{\rm gal}=12.6$ over 637 cMpc$^3$, one of the most overdense structures known in the early universe, and could eventually evolve into a massive galaxy cluster. Together with existing VLT/MUSE and ALMA observations of this field, our JWST observations reveal that J0305-3150 traces a complex environment where both UV-bright and dusty galaxies are present, and indicate that the early evolution of galaxies around the quasar is not simultaneous. In addition, we discovered 31 [OIII] emitters in this field at other redshifts, $5.3<z<6.7$, with half of them situated at $z\sim5.4$ and $z\sim6.2$. This indicates that star-forming galaxies, such as [OIII] emitters, are generally clustered at high redshifts. These discoveries demonstrate the unparalleled redshift survey capabilities of NIRCam WFSS and the potential of the full ASPIRE survey dataset.

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Shedding New Light on Weak Emission-Line Quasars in the C$_{\rm IV}$-H$β$ Parameter Space

Weak emission-line quasars (WLQs) are a subset of Type 1 quasars that exhibit extremely weak Ly$α+$N V $λ$1240 and/or C IV $λ$1549 emission lines. We investigate the relationship between emission-line properties and accretion rate for a sample of 230 `ordinary' Type 1 quasars and 18 WLQs at $z < 0.5$ and $1.5 < z < 3.5$ that have rest-frame ultraviolet and optical spectral measurements. We apply a correction to the H$β$-based black-hole mass ($M_{\rm BH}$) estimates of these quasars using the strength of the optical Fe II emission. We confirm previous findings that WLQs' $M_{\rm BH}$ values are overestimated by up to an order of magnitude using the traditional broad emission-line region size-luminosity relation. With this $M_{\rm BH}$ correction, we find a significant correlation between H$β$-based Eddington luminosity ratios and a combination of the rest-frame C IV equivalent width and C IV blueshift with respect to the systemic redshift. This correlation holds for both ordinary quasars and WLQs, which suggests that the two-dimensional C IV parameter space can serve as an indicator of accretion rate in all Type 1 quasars across a wide range of spectral properties.

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TRINITY II: The Luminosity-dependent Bias of the Supermassive Black Hole Mass--Galaxy Mass Relation for Bright Quasars at $z=6$

Using recent empirical constraints on the dark matter halo--galaxy--supermassive black hole (SMBH) connection from $z=0-7$, we infer how undermassive, typical, and overmassive SMBHs contribute to the quasar luminosity function (QLF) at $z=6$. We find that beyond $L_\mathrm{bol} = 5 \times 10^{46}$ erg/s, the $z=6$ QLF is dominated by SMBHs that are at least 0.3 dex above the $z=6$ median $M_\bullet-M_*$ relation. The QLF is dominated by typical SMBHs (i.e., within $\pm 0.3$ dex around the $M_\bullet-M_*$ relation) at $L_\mathrm{bol} \lesssim 10^{45}$ erg/s. At $z\sim 6$, the intrinsic $M_\bullet-M_*$ relation for all SMBHs is slightly steeper than the $z=0$ scaling, with a similar normalization at $M_* \sim 10^{11} M_\odot$. We also predict the $M_\bullet-M_*$ relation for $z=6$ bright quasars selected by different bolometric luminosity thresholds, finding very good agreement with observations. For quasars with $L_\mathrm{bol} > 3 \times 10^{46}$ ($10^{48}$) erg/s, the scaling relation is shifted upwards by $\sim0.35$ (1.0) dex for $10^{11} M_\odot$ galaxies. To accurately measure the intrinsic $M_\bullet-M_*$ relation, it is essential to include fainter quasars with $L_\mathrm{bol} \lesssim 10^{45}$ erg/s. At high redshifts, low-luminosity quasars are thus the best targets for understanding typical formation paths for SMBHs in galaxies.

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A Survey for High-redshift Gravitationally Lensed Quasars and Close Quasars Pairs. I. the Discoveries of an Intermediately-lensed Quasar and a Kpc-scale Quasar Pair at $z\sim5$

We present the first results from a new survey for high-redshift $(z\gtrsim5)$ gravitationally lensed quasars and close quasar pairs. We carry out candidate selection based on the colors and shapes of objects in public imaging surveys, then conduct follow-up observations to confirm the nature of high-priority candidates. In this paper, we report the discoveries of J0025--0145 ($z=5.07$) which we identify as an {intermediately-lensed quasar, and J2329--0522 ($z=4.85$) which is a kpc-scale close quasar pair. The {\em Hubble Space Telescope (HST)} image of J0025--0145 shows a foreground lensing galaxy located $0\farcs6$ away from the quasar. However, J0025--0145 does not exhibit multiple lensed images of the quasar, and we identify J0025--0145 as an intermediate lensing system (a lensing system that is not multiply imaged but has a significant magnification). The spectrum of J0025--0145 implies an extreme Eddington ratio if the quasar luminosity is intrinsic, which could be explained by a large lensing magnification. The {\em HST} image of J0025--0145 also indicates a tentative detection of the quasar host galaxy in rest-frame UV, illustrating the power of lensing magnification and distortion in studies of high-redshift quasar host galaxies. J2329--0522 consists of two resolved components with significantly different spectral properties, and a lack of lensing galaxy detection under sub-arcsecond seeing. We identify it as a close quasar pair, which is the highest confirmed kpc-scale quasar pair to date. We also report four lensed quasars and quasar pairs at $2<z<4$, and discuss possible improvements to our survey strategy.

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The Pan-STARRS1 $\mathbf{z>5.6}$ Quasar Survey: III. The $\mathbf{z\approx6}$ Quasar Luminosity Function

We present the $z\!\approx\!6$ type-1 quasar luminosity function (QLF) based on the Pan-STARRS1 (PS1) quasar survey. The PS1 sample includes 125 quasars at $z\approx5.7-6.2$ with $-28\lesssim M_{1450}\lesssim-25$. Complemented by 48 fainter quasars from the SHELLQs survey, we evaluate the $z\approx6$ QLF over $-28\lesssim M_{1450}\lesssim-22$. Adopting a double power law with an exponential evolution of the quasar density ($Φ(z)\propto10^{k(z-6)}$; $k=-0.7$), we use a maximum likelihood method to model our data. We find a break magnitude of $M^*=-26.38_{-0.60}^{+0.79}\,\text{mag}$, a faint end slope of $α=-1.70_{-0.19}^{+0.29}$, and a steep bright end slope with $β=-3.84_{-1.21}^{+0.63}$. Based on our new QLF model we determine the quasar comoving spatial density at $z\!\approx\!6$ to be $n( M_{1450}<-26)=1.16_{-0.12}^{+0.13}\,\text{cGpc}^{-3}$. In comparison with the literature, we find the quasar density to evolve with a constant value of $k\approx-0.7$ from $z\approx7$ to $z\approx4$. Additionally, we derive an ionizing emissivity of $ε_{912}(z=6) =7.23_{-1.02}^{+1.65}\times 10^{22}\,\text{erg}\,\text{s}^{-1}\text{Hz}^{-1}\text{cMpc}^{-3}$ based on the QLF measurement. Given standard assumptions and the recent measurement of the mean free path of Becker et al. (2021) at $z\approx6$ we calculate an HI photoionizing rate of $Γ_{\text{HI}}(z{=}6) \approx 6 \times10^{-16}\,\text{s}^{-1}$, strongly disfavoring a dominant role of quasars in hydrogen reionization.

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A comprehensive view of the interstellar medium in a quasar host galaxy at z~6.4

Characterizing the physical conditions (density, temperature, ionization state, metallicity, etc) of the interstellar medium is critical to our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies. Here we present a multi-line study of the interstellar medium in the host galaxy of a quasar at z~6.4, i.e., when the universe was 840 Myr old. This galaxy is one of the most active and massive objects emerging from the dark ages, and therefore represents a benchmark for models of the early formation of massive galaxies. We used the Atacama Large Millimeter Array to target an ensemble of tracers of ionized, neutral, and molecular gas, namely the fine-structure lines: [OIII] 88$μ$m, [NII] 122$μ$m, [CII] 158$μ$m, and [CI] 370$μ$m and the rotational transitions of CO(7-6), CO(15-14), CO(16-15), and CO(19-18); OH 163.1$μ$m and 163.4$μ$m; and H$_2$O 3(0,3)-2(1,2), 3(3,1)-4(0,4), 3(3,1)-3(2,2), 4(0,4)-3(1,3), 4(3,2)-4(2,3). All the targeted fine-structure lines are detected, as are half of the targeted molecular transitions. By combining the associated line luminosities, the constraints on the dust temperature from the underlying continuum emission, and predictions from photoionization models of the interstellar medium, we find that the ionized phase accounts for about one third of the total gaseous mass budget, and is responsible for half of the total [CII] emission. It is characterized by high density (n~180 cm$^{-3}$), typical of HII regions. The spectral energy distribution of the photoionizing radiation is comparable to that emitted by B-type stars. Star formation also appears to drive the excitation of the molecular medium. We find marginal evidence for outflow-related shocks in the dense molecular phase, but not in other gas phases. This study showcases the power of multi-line investigations in unveiling the properties of the star-forming medium in galaxies at cosmic dawn.

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ALMA Confirmation of an Obscured Hyperluminous Radio-Loud AGN at $z=6.853$ Associated with a Dusty Starburst in the 1.5 deg$^2$ COSMOS Field

We present band 6 ALMA observations of a heavily-obscured radio-loud ($L_{1.4\ \mathrm{GHz}}=10^{25.4}$ W Hz$^{-1}$) AGN candidate at $z_\mathrm{phot}=6.83\pm0.06$ found in the 1.5 deg$^2$ COSMOS field. The ALMA data reveal detections of exceptionally strong [CII]158$μ$m ($z_\mathrm{[CII]}=6.8532$) and underlying dust continuum emission from this object (COS-87259), where the [CII] line luminosity, line width, and 158$μ$m continuum luminosity are comparable to that seen from $z\sim7$ sub-mm galaxies and quasar hosts. The 158$μ$m continuum detection suggests a total infrared luminosity of $9\times10^{12}$ $L_\odot$ with corresponding very large obscured star formation rate (1300 $M_\odot$/yr) and dust mass ($2\times10^9$ $M_\odot$). The strong break seen between the VIRCam and IRAC photometry perhaps suggests that COS-87259 is an extremely massive reionization era galaxy with $M_\ast\approx1.7\times10^{11}$ $M_\odot$. Moreover, the MIPS, PACS, and SPIRE detections imply that this object harbors an AGN that is heavily obscured ($τ_{_{\mathrm{9.7μm}}}=2.3$) with a bolometric luminosity of approximately $5\times10^{13}$ $L_\odot$. Such a very high AGN luminosity suggests this object is powered by an $\approx$1.6 $\times$ 10$^9$ $M_\odot$ black hole if accreting near the Eddington limit, and is effectively a highly-obscured version of an extremely UV-luminous ($M_{1450}\approx-27.3$) $z\sim7$ quasar. Notably, these $z\sim7$ quasars are an exceedingly rare population ($\sim$0.001 deg$^{-2}$) while COS-87259 was identified over a relatively small field. Future very wide-area surveys with, e.g., Roman and Euclid have the potential to identify many more extremely red yet UV-bright $z\gtrsim7$ objects similar to COS-87259, providing richer insight into the occurrence of intense obscured star formation and supermassive black hole growth among this population.

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MAMMOTH-Subaru III. Ly$α$ Halo Extended to $\sim200$ kpc Identified by Stacking $\sim 3300$ Ly$α$ Emitters at $z=2.2-2.3$

In this paper, we present a Ly$α$ halo extended to $\sim200$ kpc identified by stacking $\sim 3300$ Ly$α$ emitters at $z=2.2-2.3$. We carry out imaging observations and data reduction with Subaru/Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC). Our total survey area is $\sim12$ deg$^2$ and imaging depths are $25.5-27.0$ mag. Using the imaging data, we select 1,240 and 2,101 LAE candidates at $z=2.2$ and 2.3, respectively. We carry out spectroscopic observations of our LAE candidates and data reduction with Magellan/IMACS to estimate the contamination rate of our LAE candidates. We find that the contamination rate of our sample is low (8%). We stack our LAE candidates with a median stacking method to identify the Ly$α$ halo at $z=2$. We show that the Ly$α$ halo is extended to $\sim200$ kpc at a surface brightness level of $10^{-20}$ erg s$^{-1}$ cm$^{-2}$ arcsec$^{-2}$. Comparing to previous studies, our Ly$α$ halo is more extended at radii of $\sim25-100$ kpc, which is not likely caused by the contamination in our sample but by different redshifts and fields instead. To investigate how central galaxies affect surrounding LAHs, we divide our LAEs into subsamples based on the Ly$α$ luminosity ($L_{\rm Lyα}$), rest-frame Ly$α$ equivalent width (EW$_0$), and UV magnitude (M$_{\rm uv}$). We stack the subsamples and find that higher $L_{\rm Lyα}$, lower EW$_0$, and brighter M$_{\rm uv}$ cause more extended halos. Our results suggest that more massive LAEs generally have more extended Ly$α$ halos.

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MAMMOTH-Subaru V. Effects of Cosmic Variance on Ly$α$ Luminosity Functions at $z=2.2-2.3$

Cosmic variance introduces significant uncertainties into galaxy number density properties when surveying the high-z Universe with a small volume, such uncertainties produce the field-to-field variance of galaxy number $σ_{g}$ in observational astronomy. This uncertainty significantly affects the Luminosity Functions (LF) measurement of Lya Emitters (LAEs). For most previous Lya LF studies, $σ_{g}$ is often adopted from predictions by cosmological simulations, but barely confirmed by observations. Measuring cosmic variance requires a huge sample over a large volume, exceeding the capabilities of most astronomical instruments. In this study, we demonstrate an observational approach for measuring the cosmic variance contribution for $z\approx2.2$ Lya LFs. The LAE candidates are observed using narrowband and broadband of the Subaru/Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC), with 8 independent fields, making the total survey area $\simeq11.62$deg$^2$ and a comoving volume of $\simeq8.71\times10^6$Mpc$^3$. These eight fields are selected using the project of MAMMOTH. We report a best-fit Schechter function with parameters $α=-1.75$ (fixed), $L_{Lyα}^{*}=5.18_{-0.40}^{+0.43} \times 10^{42}$erg s$^{-1}$ and $ϕ_{Lya}^{*}=4.87_{-0.55}^{+0.54}\times10^{-4}$Mpc$^{-3}$ for the overall Lya LFs. After clipping out the regions that can bias the cosmic variance measurements, we calculate $σ_{g}$, by sampling LAEs within multiple pointings assigned on the field image. We investigate the relation between $σ_{g}$ and survey volume $V$, and fit a simple power law: $σ_g=k\times(\frac{V_{\rm eff}}{10^5 {\rm Mpc}^3})^β$. We find best-fit values of $-1.209_{-0.106}^{+0.106}$ for $β$ and $0.986_{-0.100}^{+0.108}$ for k. We compare our measurements with predictions from simulations and find that the cosmic variance of LAEs might be larger than that of general star-forming galaxies.

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