Final Report Summary - LYMAN-ALPHA UNIVERSE (Lyman-alpha Radiation Transfer simulations to prepare and analyze MUSE observations of distant galaxies)
Project objectives
The aim of our project was to characterise the first generation of galaxies in the universe, using their Lyman-alpha emission:
-1) from the point of view of simulations, by applying Ly radiation transfer to hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation;
-2) by analysing observations from the most efficient instrument, with a new technique, the efficiency of which has been demonstrated by the applicant.
Project results
Our results, and their adequacy with the work plan, are as follows:
Work package 1 (WP1): Lyman-alpha radiation transfer in hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation - most of the fellow's research time was devoted to this aspect of the project. Several complementary studies of the Lyman-alpha transfer through virtual galaxies with different physical ingredients were undertaken. We demonstrated the impact of the small-scale structure of the interstellar medium on the Ly properties of galaxies, as well as a strong inclination effect. We implemented a new module in the code, calculating the Ly polarisation signal.
WP2: Preparation of MUSE observations - our library of synthetic Lyman-alpha spectra was made public. The fellow participated in a project lead by Thibault Garel, to predict the observability of high-redshift Lyman-alpha-emitting galaxies in the context of MUSE: we coupled our library of synthetic Lyman-alpha spectra to semi-analytical models of galaxy formation and evolution in order to create and analyse mock observations.
WP3: Analysis of MUSE observations - this part of the project could not be done, given the delay in constructing the instrument. We then focused all our efforts on the other aspect of the proposal.
The aim of our project was to characterise the first generation of galaxies in the universe, using their Lyman-alpha emission:
-1) from the point of view of simulations, by applying Ly radiation transfer to hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation;
-2) by analysing observations from the most efficient instrument, with a new technique, the efficiency of which has been demonstrated by the applicant.
Project results
Our results, and their adequacy with the work plan, are as follows:
Work package 1 (WP1): Lyman-alpha radiation transfer in hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation - most of the fellow's research time was devoted to this aspect of the project. Several complementary studies of the Lyman-alpha transfer through virtual galaxies with different physical ingredients were undertaken. We demonstrated the impact of the small-scale structure of the interstellar medium on the Ly properties of galaxies, as well as a strong inclination effect. We implemented a new module in the code, calculating the Ly polarisation signal.
WP2: Preparation of MUSE observations - our library of synthetic Lyman-alpha spectra was made public. The fellow participated in a project lead by Thibault Garel, to predict the observability of high-redshift Lyman-alpha-emitting galaxies in the context of MUSE: we coupled our library of synthetic Lyman-alpha spectra to semi-analytical models of galaxy formation and evolution in order to create and analyse mock observations.
WP3: Analysis of MUSE observations - this part of the project could not be done, given the delay in constructing the instrument. We then focused all our efforts on the other aspect of the proposal.