The distribution of star-forming galaxies in intermediate redshift galaxy clusters.

摘要

In this thesis, we explore the distribution and properties of star-forming galaxies in six intermediate redshift (0.3 z 1.0) galaxy clusters. Our sample is drawn from the WIYN Long Term Variability Survey (WLTV) obtained with the Mini-Mosaic camera on the WIYN 3.5m telescope. We focus on a subset of six fields from this survey, for which the WIYN UBRIz imaging is supplemented with narrow-band imaging that samples rest-frame [OII]3727. The data analysis includes unique reduction procedures for the Mini-Mosaic camera, an algorithm to produce galaxy photometry with small systematic errors, and a hybrid photometric redshift method that produces small random and systematic errors. The WIYN imaging data is supplemented by imaging data from the WIYN 0.9m telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope archive.;The number density and distribution of Luminous Compact Blue Galaxies (LCBGs) are explored in six cluster fields. The LCBGs are a significant cluster population (13--28%) with a distribution best described as shell-like. Reasonable assumptions about the lifetime and number density of the LCBGs indicate that cluster LCBGs must fade substantially to produce luminosity functions in these clusters that are comparable to cluster luminosity functions observed today. Combining the information about their number density and distribution with the exponential light profiles observed, cluster LCBGs are a likely progenitor population for dwarf elliptical galaxies.;The [OII]3727 luminosity function for all star-forming galaxies in these clusters reveal an over-density of emission line galaxies relative to the field. The total star formation rate measured in a sample which includes intermediate redshift clusters from the literature displays no trend with redshift, mass, or x-ray properties. The mass-normalized total star formation rate does show a moderate to strong correlation with redshift and luminosity gap statistic. After correcting the mass-normalized total star formation rate by the mass-normalized global star formation rate at the redshift of the cluster, large star formation rates are only observed in clusters that have undergone recent major merger events identified by the luminosity gap statistic.