Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

UC Irvine

UC Irvine Previously Published Works bannerUC Irvine

The Rest-frame H-band Luminosity Function of Red-sequence Galaxies in Clusters at 1.0 < z < 1.3

Abstract

We present results on the rest-frame H-band luminosity functions (LFs) of red-sequence galaxies in seven clusters at 1.0 < z < 1.3 from the Gemini Observations of Galaxies in Rich Early Environments Survey. Using deep GMOS and IRAC 3.6 μm imaging, we identify red-sequence galaxies and measure their LFs down to MH∗ ∼ MH∗ + (2.0 - 3.0) . By stacking the entire sample, we derive a shallow faint-end slope of α ∼ -0.35-0.15+0.15 and MH∗ ∼ -23.520.17+0.15, suggesting that there is a deficit of faint red-sequence galaxies in clusters at high redshift. By comparing the stacked red-sequence LF of our sample with a sample of clusters at z ∼ 0.6, we find an evolution of the faint end of the red sequence over the ∼2.6 Gyr between the two samples, with the mean faint-end red-sequence luminosity growing by more than a factor of 2. The faint-to-luminous ratio of our sample (0.78-0.15+0.19) is consistent with the trend of decreasing ratio with increasing redshift proposed in previous studies. A comparison with the field shows that the faint-to-luminous ratios in clusters are consistent with those in the field at z ∼ 1.15 and exhibit a stronger redshift dependence. Our results support the picture that the buildup of faint red-sequence galaxies occurs gradually over time and suggest that faint cluster galaxies, similar to bright cluster galaxies, already experience the quenching effect induced by the environment at z ∼ 1.15.

Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.

Main Content
For improved accessibility of PDF content, download the file to your device.
Current View