Galaxy formation and evolution from deep optical and infrared surveys

Thesis

In this thesis, I present results from population studies conducted on galaxies across most of cosmic time. Using the unique depth and area combination of modern, ground-based surveys allows for strong constraints to be placed on the number density of the most massive and luminous galaxies between redshifts of 0.1

First, I measure the stellar mass function of galaxies from 0.1

Second, I measure and examine the ultraviolet luminosity function of galaxies in the redshift range 3.5 -24) are high, generating a steep power law slope -2.1 < α_AGN < -1.7. I propose that the large rise in space density of AGN over this time period can be attributed to a global increase in the number density of active black holes. Measurements of the galaxy population are found to match models which suggest that a steep bright-end slope is driven by dust obscuration and that mass-dependent quenching from AGN feedback is not yet significant at this time.

Authors: Adams, N

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Galaxy Evolution
• Subjects: Astrophysics