The Origins and the Early Evolution of Quasars and Supermassive Black Holes

TL;DR

This paper reviews the origins and early evolution of supermassive black holes and quasars, emphasizing their formation, growth mechanisms at high redshifts, and their impact on galaxy evolution and the intergalactic medium.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of current understanding and observational prospects regarding the initial growth phases of SMBHs and quasars in the universe.

Findings

Current models of SMBH formation are discussed.

Observability of early SMBH growth at high redshifts is analyzed.

Implications for galaxy evolution are highlighted.

Abstract

The relationship between galaxies and supermassive black holes (SMBH) found in their cores plays a key role in the formation and evolution of both of these major constituents of the universe, as well as the evolution of the intergalactic medium. Neither can be fully understood on their own, and studies of galaxy and SMBH co-formation and co-evolution are now among the central topics of research in cosmology. Yet the very origins, and the early growth phases of the SMBH are still not firmly established. We review our current understanding of the relevant processes and their astrophysical and cosmological context, with an emphasis on the observability of the SMBH growth mechanisms at high redshifts, and their leftover progeny at low redshifts.