Redshift Evolution of the Low-Column Density Lyman alpha Fores

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dc.creatorHu, Esther M.
dc.date1998-01-02
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T02:25:42Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T02:25:42Z
dc.descriptionKnowledge of the evolution of the low column density end of the Ly alpha forest (12.8 < log N_HI < 16.0 cm^-2) can provide substantial insight for models of structure formation and studies of the evolution of the ionizing background. Here we describe the evolution of the b values and column densities of forest clouds over the redshift range 2 < z < 4. While the distribution function for clouds with column densities N_HI < 3 x 10^14 cm^-2 can be well described by a single invariant power law fit with slope ~-1.5 over this range, at higher column densities a break in this distribution function is seen, with a deficiency of high column density clouds relative to the single power-law fit, and with the break point moving to lower column densities for clouds at lower redshifts. The median and cut-off (minimum) b values are seen to decrease at higher redshifts.
dc.description6 pages, LaTeX, 4 PostScript figures, uses conf_iap.sty. To appear in the Proceedings of the 13th IAP Colloquium: Structure and Evolution of the IGM from QSO Absorption Line Systems, eds. P. Petitjean and S. Charlot
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9801004
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9801004
dc.identifier``Structure and Evolution of the Intergalactic Medium from QSO Absorption Line Systems'' eds. P. Petitjean and S. Charlot (Editions Frontières, Paris, 1997), 117-122
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/11981
dc.subjectAstrophysics
dc.titleRedshift Evolution of the Low-Column Density Lyman alpha Fores
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