Less and more IGM-transmitted galaxies from z ∼ 2.7 to z ∼ 6 from VANDELS and VUDS

Abstract

Aims. Our aim is to analyze the variance of the intergalactic medium (IGM) transmission by studying this parameter in the rest-frame UV spectra of a large sample of high-redshift galaxies. Methods. We made use of the VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey and the VANDELS public survey to gain insight into the far UV spectrum of 2.7 < z < 6 galaxies. Using the SPARTAN fitting software, we estimated the IGM toward individual galaxies and then divided them into two sub-samples characterized by a transmission above or below the theoretical prescription. We created average spectra of combined VUDS and VANDELS data for each set of galaxies in seven redshift bins. Results. The resulting spectra clearly exhibit the variance of the IGM transmission that can be seen directly from high-redshift galaxy observations. Computing the optical depth based on the IGM transmission, we find an excellent agreement with results for quasi-stellar objects. In addition, our measurements appear to suggest that there is a large dispersion of redshift where a complete Gunn-Peterson Trough occurs, depending on the line of sight.