A Census of Mid-Infrared Selected Active Galactic Nuclei in Massive Galaxy Clusters at 0 < z < 1.3

TL;DR

This study uses mid-infrared data to identify active galactic nuclei in massive galaxy clusters across 0<z<1.3, finding a low IR-AGN fraction at z<1 and a higher fraction at z=1.24, with IR-AGN mainly in star-forming, late-type galaxies.

Contribution

First comprehensive mid-infrared census of IR-AGN in massive galaxy clusters over a broad redshift range, revealing low IR-AGN fractions at z<1 and insights into their host galaxy properties.

Findings

IR-AGN fraction ~1% at z<1, rising to ~15% at z=1.24

IR-AGN predominantly in late-type, star-forming galaxies

IR-AGN are mostly outside cluster cores and some are X-ray sources.

Abstract

We conduct a deep mid-infrared census of nine massive galaxy clusters at (0<z<1.3) with a total of ~1500 spectroscopically confirmed member galaxies using Spitzer/IRAC photometry and established mid-infrared color selection techniques. Of the 949 cluster galaxies that are detected in at least three of the four IRAC channels at the >3 sigma level, we identify 12 that host mid-infrared selected active galactic nuclei (IR-AGN). To compare the IR-AGN across our redshift range, we define two complete samples of cluster galaxies: (1) optically-selected members with rest-frame V(AB) magnitude <-21.5 and (2) mid-IR selected members brighter than (M*+0.5), i.e. essentially a stellar mass cut. In both samples, we measure \agnfrac ~1% with a strong upper limit of ~3% at z<1. This uniformly low IR-AGN fraction at z<1 is surprising given the fraction of 24 micron sources in the same galaxy clusters is observed to increase by about a factor of four from z~0 to z~1; this indicates that most of the detected 24 micron flux is due to star formation. Only in our single galaxy cluster at z=1.24 is the IR-AGN fraction measurably higher at ~15% (all members; ~70% for late-types only). In agreement with recent studies, we find the cluster IR-AGN are predominantly hosted by late-type galaxies with blue optical colors, i.e. members with recent/ongoing star formation. The four brightest IR-AGN are also X-ray sources; these IR+X-ray AGN all lie outside the cluster core (Rproj>0.5 Mpc) and are hosted by highly morphologically disturbed members. Although our sample is limited, our results suggest that \agnfrac in massive galaxy clusters is not strongly correlated with star formation at z<1, and that IR-AGN have a more prominent role at z>1.