Generating AGN spectra for LSST: First steps

TL;DR

This paper discusses initial efforts to model quasar light curves for LSST, aiming to improve dark energy constraints through photometric reverberation mapping of high-redshift AGN.

Contribution

It presents the first steps in modeling quasar light curves for Hβ and MgII lines to facilitate photometric reverberation mapping with LSST data.

Findings

Preliminary models for quasar light curves are developed.

LSST will significantly increase quasar detections at high redshifts.

Enhanced quasar data will improve dark energy constraints.

Abstract

In the near future, the arrival of new surveys promises a significant increment in the number of quasars (QSO) at large redshift ranges. This will help to constrain the dark energy models using quasars. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will cover over 10 million QSO in six photometric bands during its 10-year run. QSO will be monitored and subsequently analysed using the photometric reverberation mapping technique. Oncoming LSST data will decrease the uncertainties in the dark energy determination using reverberating--mapped sources, particularly at high redshifts. We present the first steps in modelling of light curves for H$\beta$ and MgII and discuss the quasar selection in the context of photometric reverberation mapping with LSST. With the onset of the LSST era, we expect a huge rise in the overall quasar counts and redshift range covered ($z\leq7.0$), which will provide a better constraint of AGN properties with cosmological purposes.