Science with an ngVLA: [CII] 158$mu$m Emission from $z ge 10$ Galaxies


Abstract in English

We consider the capabilities of ALMA and the ngVLA to detect and image the[CII] 158,$mu$m line from galaxies into the cosmic `dark ages ($z sim 10$ to 20). The [CII] line may prove to be a powerful tool in determining spectroscopic redshifts, and galaxy dynamics, for the first galaxies. In 40,hr, ALMA has the sensitivity to detect the integrated [CII] line emission from a moderate metallicity, active star-forming galaxy [$Z_A = 0.2,Z_{odot}$; star formation rate (SFR)= 5,$M_odot$,yr$^{-1}$], at $z = 10$ at a significance of 6$sigma$. The ngVLA will detect the integrated [CII] line emission from a Milky-Way like star formation rate galaxy ($Z_{A} = 0.2,Z_{odot}$, SFR = 1,$M_odot$,yr$^{-1}$), at $z = 15$ at a significance of 6$sigma$. Imaging simulations show that the ngVLA can determine rotation dynamics for active star-forming galaxies at $z sim 15$, if they exist. The [CII] detection rate in blind surveys will be slow (of order unity per 40,hr pointing.

Download