Source counts at 7.7 to 21 $\mu$m in CEERS field with James Webb Space Telescope

TL;DR

This paper presents deep mid-infrared source counts from JWST in the CEERS field, extending previous measurements by up to 100 times in depth, offering valuable insights into galaxy evolution.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed source counts at six mid-infrared bands from JWST, surpassing previous telescopes in sensitivity and depth, and aligns with existing models.

Findings

Source counts reach up to 100 times deeper than previous data.

Results are consistent with prior model predictions.

Data will inform a new IR galaxy evolution model.

Abstract

Source counts -- the number density of sources as a function of flux density -- represent one of the fundamental metrics in observational cosmology due to their straightforward and simple nature. It is an important tool that provides information on galaxy formation and evolution. Source counting is a direct measurement. Compared to advanced analyzes that require more observational input such as luminosity/mass functions, it is less affected by any cosmological parameter assumptions or any errors propagated from luminosities. In this study, we present source counts at the six mid-infrared bands, i.e., 7.7, 10, 12.8, 15, 18, and 21 $\mu$m from the MIR instrument of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Contrasted with the infrared source counts achieved by prior generations of infrared space telescopes, our source counts delve up to $\sim$100 times deeper, showcasing the exceptional sensitivity of the JWST, and aligning with the model predictions based on preceding observations. In a follow-up study, we utilize our source counts to establish a new IR galaxy population evolutionary model that provides a physical interpretation.