Abstract
We use multi-band spatially resolved photometry from the Cosmic Assembly
Near-IR Deep Legacy Survey in the 4 Ms Chandra Deep Field-South to
explore the nuclear and extended colors, color gradients, and stellar
populations of the host galaxies of X-ray selected active galactic
nuclei (AGNs) out to z = 3. Based on a study of their central light, we
develop X-ray based criteria to exclude objects with strong AGN
contamination. We use stellar masses from the FIREWORKS database to
understand and account for stellar mass selection effects and carefully
study, for the first time, the resolved host galaxy properties of AGNs
at z ~ 2 in their rest-frame optical light without substantial nuclear
contamination. AGN hosts span a sizable range of stellar masses, colors,
and color gradients at these redshifts. Their colors, color gradients,
and stellar population properties are very similar to inactive galaxies
of the same stellar mass. At z ~ 1, we find a slightly narrower range in
host colors compared to inactive galaxies, as well as hints of more
recent star formation. These differences are weaker or non-existent
among AGN hosts at z ~ 2. We discuss the importance of AGN-driven
feedback in the quenching of galaxies at z >~ 1 and speculate on
possible evolution in the relationship between black hole accretion and
the host galaxy toward high redshifts.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 59 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 763 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2013 |
Keywords
- galaxies: active
- galaxies: photometry
- infrared: galaxies
- surveys
- X-rays: galaxies