Initial analysis of extragalactic fields using a new AKARI/IRC analysis pipeline

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new data analysis pipeline for AKARI/IRC images that improves image quality and provides consistent galaxy counts with existing models and surveys, enabling deeper extragalactic observations.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel analysis pipeline for AKARI/IRC data that enhances image correction and validation, allowing for more accurate galaxy counts and deeper extragalactic field analysis.

Findings

Differential number counts align with existing models and surveys.

Detection of deeper galaxies in the IRAC validation field.

Pipeline improvements reduce Earth shine and correct image distortion.

Abstract

We present the first results of a new data analysis pipeline for processing extragalactic AKARI/IRC images. The main improvements of the pipeline over the standard analysis are the removal of Earth shine and image distortion correction. We present the differential number counts of the AKARI/IRC S11 filter IRAC validation field. The differential number counts are consistent with S11 AKARI NEP deep and 12 microns WISE NEP number counts, and with a phenomenological backward evolution galaxy model, at brighter fluxes densities. There is a detection of deeper galaxies in the IRAC validation field.