A powerful radio-loud quasar at the end of cosmic reionization

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of the most radio-bright quasar known at z~6, offering unique insights into early universe jets, feedback mechanisms, and the neutral intergalactic medium during cosmic reionization.

Contribution

The discovery of an exceptionally radio-loud quasar at high redshift provides a new tool to study early universe phenomena and the epoch of reionization.

Findings

Identified the brightest radio-loud quasar at z~6.

Provides a unique target for 21 cm absorption studies.

Enables investigation of jet activity and feedback at cosmic dawn.

Abstract

We present the discovery of the radio-loud quasar PSO J352.4034-15.3373 at z=5.84 pm 0.02. This quasar is the radio brightest source known, by an order of magnitude, at z~6 with a flux density in the range of 8-100 mJy from 3GHz to 230MHz and a radio loudness parameter R>~1000. This source provides an unprecedented opportunity to study powerful jets and radio-mode feedback at the highest redshifts, and presents the first real chance to probe deep into the neutral intergalactic medium by detecting 21 cm absorption at the end of cosmic reionization.