Prof. Dimitra Rigopoulou

Abstract:

We present low resolution multi-object spectroscopy of an I-band magnitude limited (IAB ≃ 23-23.5) sample of galaxies located in an area centered on the Hubble Deep Field-South (HDFS). The observations were obtained using the Focal Reducer/low dispersion Spectrograph (FORS) on the ESO Very Large Telescope. Thirty-two primary spectroscopic targets in the HST-WFPC2 HDFS were supplemented with galaxies detected in the Infrared Space Observatory's survey of the HDFS and the ESO Imaging Deep Survey to comprise a sample of 100 galaxies for spectroscopic observations. Based on detections of several emission lines, such as [OII]λ3727, Hβ and [OIII]λ5007, or of other spectroscopic features, we measured accurate redshifts for 50 objects in the central HDFS and flanking fields. The redshift range of the current sample of galaxies is 0.6-1.2, with a median redshift of 1.13 (at I ≃ 23.5 not corrected for completeness). The sample is dominated by starburst galaxies with only a small fraction of ellipticals (∼ 10%). For the emission line objects, the extinction corrected [OII]λ3727 line strengths yield estimates of star formation rates in the range 0.5-30 M⊙yr-1. We used the present data to derive the [OII]λ3727 luminosity function up to redshift of 1.2. When combined with [OII]λ3727 luminosity densities for the local and high redshift Universe, our results confirm the steep rise in the star formation rate (SFR) to z ≃ 1.3. © ESO 2005.

Abstract:

We report on near-infrared medium-resolution spectroscopy of a sample of luminous and ultraluminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs-ULIRGs), carried out with SOFI at the ESO 3.5 m New Technology Telescope. Because of wavelength dependence of the attenuation, the detection of the Paα or Brγ line in the Ks band should provide relevant constraints on SFR and the contribution of an AGN. We find, however, that the intensities of the Paα and Brγ lines, even corrected for slit losses, are on average only 10% and 40%, respectively, of that expected from a normal starburst of similar bolometric luminosity. The corresponding star formation rates, after correcting for the attenuation derived from the NIR-optical emission line ratios, are 14% and 60% of that expected if the far infrared luminosity were entirely powered by the starburst. This confirms the existence of a recombination photon deficit, particularly in the case of the Paα line, already found in the Brγ line in other infrared galaxies of similar luminosity. In discussing the possible causes of the discrepancy, we find unlikely that it is due to the presence of an AGN, though two objects show evidence of broadening of the Paα line and of the presence of coronal line emission. In fact, from our own observations and data collected from the literature we argue that the studied galaxies appear to be predominantly powered by a nuclear starburst. Two scenarios compatible with the present data are that either there exists a highly attenuated nuclear star forming region, and/or that a significant fraction (≃80%) of the ionizing photons are absorbed by dust within the HII regions. We suggest that observations in the Brα spectral region could constitute a powerful tool to disentangle these two possibilities. © ESO 2005.