|
Modelling the infrared galaxy evolution using a phenomenological approach
G. Lagache, H. Dole, J-L. Puget, MNRAS, 2003, 338, 555
To characterise the cosmological evolution of the sources contributing
to the infrared extragalactic background, we have
developped a phenomenological model that constrains in
a simple way the galaxy luminosity function evolution
with the redshift, and fits all the existing source
counts and redshift distributions, Cosmic Infrared
Background intensity and fluctuations observations
from the mid-infrared to the submillimetre range. The
model is based on template spectra of starburst and
normal galaxies, and on the local infrared luminosity
function. Although the Cosmic Infrared Background can
be modeled with very different luminosity functions as
long as the radiation production with redshift is the
right one, the number counts, and the anisotropies of
the unresolved background, imply that the luminosity
function must change dramatically with redshift, with
a rapid evolution of the high-luminosity sources
(Log(L) > 11.5 Lo) from z=0 to z=1 which then stay
rather constant up to redshift 5. The derived
evolution of the IR luminosity function may be linked
to a bimodal star formation process, one associated
with the quiescent and passive phase of the galaxy
evolution and one associated with the starburst phase,
trigerred by merging and interactions. The latter
dominates the infrared and submillimetre ouput energy
of the Universe.
The model is intended as a convenient tool to plan further
observations, as illustrated through predictions for
Herschel, Planck and ALMA observations. Our model
predictions for given wavelengths, together with
some usefull routines, are available for general use
hereafter.
The paper is published in MNRAS, 2003, vol 338, Number 3, 555.
In all the work, we use h=0.65, Omega_Lambda = 0.7, Omega_0 = 0.3
|