Testing a novel method to map the 3D distribution of gas clouds in intergalactic space

Abstract

We propose a new method to detect intergalactic Lyman a emitter and absorber systems by comparing broadband and narrowband images. The narrowband observations were carried out with the Maryland-Magellan Tunable Filter (MMTF) at central wavelengths of 5120A and 5140A and pointing to the Chandra Deep field South. The broadband images were obtained through the European Southern Observatory public database. Catalogues of galaxies were constructed from all images, taking the R broadband as a reference for locating objects. Via color-color and color-magniude diagrams, and taking the Steidel et al. color selection criteria as a reference, we were able to identify numerous Ly a emission and absorption candidates. This serves as a proof of concept that narrowband absorption could be used to mao the distribution of Lyman limit systems in 3D.