Tracing Infrared Galaxies throughout Cosmic Time

Abstract

Infrared observations are crucial for a full understanding of galaxy formation and evolution, as they reveal the full luminosity of galaxies enshrouded by ubiquitous interstellar dust. Ultraviolet and optical radiation from young massive stars is absorbed by dust grains that heat up and reradiate the absorbed radiation at far-infrared wavelengths. A complete characterization of the galactic emission requires observations at infrared wavelengths. Using the recently launched Herschel Space Telescope, we analyze the deepest and most complete far-infrared surveys to characterize the dust-obscured star formation at high redshifts (z 0:5{3). We provide the rst detailed characterization of the full spectral energy distribution of infrared luminous galaxies at high redshift. By calibrating SFR indicators using far-infrared derived values, we extend our analysis to the full population of star-forming galaxies and discover new star formation laws that have important implications for galaxy evolution.