Exploring the environment, magnetic fields, and feedback effects of massive high-redshift galaxies with [C II]

¹ Department of Space, Earth, & Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, Chalmersplatsen 4 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
e-mail: kiana.kade@chalmers.se
² Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique (IRAM), 300 rue de la Piscine, 38400 Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France
³ Cosmic Dawn Center DTU Space, Technical University of Denmark, Elektrovej 327, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Received: 21 July 2021
Accepted: 25 February 2023

Abstract

Context. Massive galaxies are expected to grow through different transformative evolutionary phases. High-redshift starburst galaxies and quasars are thought to be such phases and thus provide insight into galaxy evolution. Several physical mechanisms are predicted to play an important role in driving these phases; for example, interaction with companion galaxies, active galactic nuclei feedback, and possibly magnetic fields.

Aims. Our aim is to characterize the physical properties and the environment of the submillimeter galaxy AzTEC-3 at z = 5.3 and the lensed quasar BRI 0952−0115 at z = 4.4, and to set a limit on the polarization properties of the two sources. We intend to place these two sources in the broader context of galaxy evolution, specifically star formation and mass growth through cosmic time.

Methods. We used full polarization, sub-arcsecond-resolution, ALMA band-7 observations of both BRI 0952−0115 and AzTEC-3. We detect [C II] (²P_3/2−²P_1/2) line emission towards both BRI 0952−0115 and AzTEC-3, along with companions in each field. We present an updated gravitational lensing model for BRI 0952−0115 for correction of gravitational magnification.

Results. We present infrared luminosities, star-formation rates, and [C II] line to infrared luminosity ratios for each source. The [C II] emission line profile for both BRI 0952−0115 and AzTEC-3 exhibit a broad, complex morphology, indicating the possible presence of outflows. We present evidence of a “gas bridge” between AzTEC-3 and a companion source. Modified blackbody spectral energy distribution fitting is used to analyze the properties of [C II] detected companion sources in the field of both the submillimeter galaxy and the quasar. We investigated the possible role of the detected companions in outflow signatures. Using a simple dynamical mass estimate for the sources, we suggest that both systems are undergoing minor or major mergers. No polarization is detected for the [C II], placing an upper limit below that of theoretical predictions.

Conclusions. Our results show that high-velocity wings are detected, indicating possible signs of massive outflows; however, the presence of companion galaxies can affect the final interpretation. Furthermore, the results provide additional evidence in support of the hypothesis that massive galaxies form in overdense regions, growing through minor or major mergers with companion sources. Finally, strong, ordered magnetic fields are unlikely to exist at the kiloparsec scale in the two studied sources.