The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope Quasar Survey: Quasar Properties from First Data Release

TL;DR

This paper reports on the first data release of the LAMOST quasar survey, identifying 3921 quasars including 1180 new discoveries, with analyses of emission lines, black hole masses, and selection methods, contributing valuable data for quasar research.

Contribution

It presents the initial quasar catalog from LAMOST DR1, including new quasars, emission line measurements, black hole mass estimates, and assessment of selection techniques.

Findings

1180 new quasars discovered in DR1.

28% of quasars selected via optical-infrared colors.

Quasars span redshifts up to 4.83.

Abstract

We present preliminary results of the quasar survey in Large Sky Area Multi- Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) first data release (DR1), which includes pilot survey and the first year regular survey. There are 3921 quasars identified with reliability, among which 1180 are new quasars discovered in the survey. These quasars are at low to median redshifts, with highest z of 4.83. We compile emission line measurements around the H{\alpha}, H{\beta}, Mg II, and C IV regions for the new quasars. The continuum luminosities are inferred from SDSS photo- metric data with model fitting as the spectra in DR1 are non-flux-calibrated. We also compile the virial black hole mass estimates, and flags indicating the selec- tion methods, broad absorption line quasars. The catalog and spectra for these quasars are available online. 28% of the 3921 quasars are selected with optical- infrared colours independently, indicating that the method is quite promising in completeness of quasar survey. LAMOST DR1 and the on-going quasar survey will provide valuable data in the studies of quasars.