University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

The radio properties of infrared-faint radio sources

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 09:53 authored by Middleberg, E, Norris, RP, Hales, CA, Seymour, N, Johnston-Hollitt, M, Huynh, MT, Lenc, E, Mao, MY
Context. Infrared-faint radio sources (IFRS) are objects that have flux densities of several mJy at 1.4 GHz, but that are invisible at 3.6 ìm when using sensitive Spitzer observations with ìJy sensitivities. Their nature is unclear and difficult to investigate since they are only visible in the radio. Aims. High-resolution radio images and comprehensive spectral coverage can yield constraints on the emission mechanisms of IFRS and can give hints to similarities with known objects. Methods. We imaged a sample of 17 IFRS at 4.8 GHz and 8.6 GHz with the Australia Telescope Compact Array to determine the structures on arcsecond scales. We added radio data from other observing projects and from the literature to obtain broad-band radio spectra. Results. We find that the sources in our sample are either resolved out at the higher frequencies or are compact at resolutions of a few arcsec, which implies that they are smaller than a typical galaxy. The spectra of IFRS are remarkably steep, with a median spectral index of −1.4 and a prominent lack of spectral indices larger than −0.7. We also find that, given the IR non-detections, the ratio of 1.4 GHz flux density to 3.6 ìm flux density is very high, and this puts them into the same regime as high-redshift radio galaxies. Conclusions. The evidence that IFRS are predominantly high-redshift sources driven by active galactic nuclei (AGN) is strong, even though not all IFRS may be caused by the same phenomenon. Compared to the rare and painstakingly collected high-redshift radio galaxies, IFRS appear to be much more abundant, but less luminous, AGN-driven galaxies at similar cosmological distances.

History

Publication title

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Volume

526

Issue

Feb

Pagination

EJ

ISSN

0004-6361

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

E D P Sciences

Place of publication

7, Ave Du Hoggar, Parc D Activites Courtaboeuf, Bp 112, Les Ulis Cedexa, France, F-91944

Rights statement

Copyright 2010 ESO

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the physical sciences

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC