Linking Ly-alpha and Low-Ionization Transitions at Low Optical Depth

TL;DR

This study links Ly-alpha emission and low-ionization transitions in high-redshift galaxies to low optical depth in the Lyman continuum, using Hubble spectra of Green Pea galaxies as analogs.

Contribution

It demonstrates how Ly-alpha and low-ionization line profiles can indicate optical depth and outflow geometry in galaxies, providing new insights into LyC escape mechanisms.

Findings

Strong Ly-alpha emission correlates with low optical depth and reduced resonant scattering.

C II* emission and weak C II absorption indicate low LyC optical depth along the line of sight.

Different outflow inclinations affect Ly-alpha and C II* profiles, revealing galaxy geometry.

Abstract

We suggest that low optical depth in the Lyman continuum (LyC) may relate the Ly-alpha emission, C II and Si II absorption, and C II* and Si II* emission seen in high-redshift galaxies. We base this analysis on Hubble Space Telescope COS spectra of four Green Pea (GP) galaxies, which may be analogs of z>2 Ly-alpha emitters (LAEs). In the two GPs with the strongest Ly-alpha emission, the Ly-alpha line profiles show reduced signs of resonant scattering. Instead, the Ly-alpha profiles resemble the H-alpha line profiles of evolved star ejecta, suggesting that the Ly-alpha emission originates from a low column density and similar outflow geometry. The weak C II absorption and presence of non-resonant C II* emission in these GPs support this interpretation and imply a low LyC optical depth along the line of sight. In two additional GPs, weak Ly-alpha emission and strong C II absorption suggest a higher optical depth. These two GPs differ in their Ly-alpha profile shapes and C II* emission strengths, however, indicating different inclinations of the outflows to our line of sight. With these four GPs as examples, we explain the observed trends linking Ly-alpha, C II, and C II* in stacked LAE spectra, in the context of optical depth and geometric effects. Specifically, in some galaxies with strong Ly-alpha emission, a low LyC optical depth may allow Ly-alpha to escape with reduced scattering. Furthermore, C II absorption, C II* emission, and Ly-alpha profile shape can reveal the optical depth, constrain the orientation of neutral outflows in LAEs, and identify candidate LyC emitters.