University of Sussex
Browse
1538-4357_699_1_L1.pdf (154.24 kB)

Spitzer IRS observations of k plus a galaxies: a link between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission properties and active galactic nucleus feedback?

Download (154.24 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 09:51 authored by I G Roseboom, Seb OliverSeb Oliver, D Farrah
We have performed Spitzer InfraRed Spectrograph (IRS) low-resolution 5-12 mu m spectroscopy on a sample of galaxies selected to be at three distinct poststarburst evolutionary stages based on their optical spectral indices. The resulting IRS spectra show distinctive polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission line structures at 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.3 mu m and little silicate absorption, indicative of ongoing star formation. However, the PAH interline ratios, in particular the 11.3/6.2 mu m and 7.7/6.2 mu m ratio, show large variations. These variations are found to correlate with both time since the most recent starburst and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity. We speculate that the evolution observed in these PAH ratios is related to an increase in AGN activity with time since starburst.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Astrophysical Journal Letters

ISSN

2041-8205

Issue

1

Volume

699

Page range

L1-L4

Department affiliated with

  • Physics and Astronomy Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-03-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-08-17

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC