The First Luminous Objects: Interplay between Galaxy Formation and the Intergalactic Medium

由于最近的观测突破和计算能力的进步，对宇宙黑暗时代的研究正在获得动力。这个项目有三个主要主题。首先，现在的观测表明，宇宙的再电离历史是以非单调的方式进行的，模拟和半解析模型将被开发并用于测试可能的贡献效应。其次，光学深度效应和光子捕获将被添加到早期恒星形成的模拟中，试图使这些研究更现实。最后，将详细模拟由电离期的自由-自由贡献引起的亮度温度波动，以便与计划的观测结果进行比较。这项研究可能会显著改变早期恒星形成的标准图景。它直接影响对最近观测的解释，并影响到未来的仪器，可能会影响它们的设计和观测战略。合作会议将加强与东海岸和日本研究人员的联系。黑暗时代是一个迷人的主题，非常适合在公共演讲和新闻中使用，这是与主办机构强大的外联计划相结合的计划。

AST-0407084OhThe study of the cosmological Dark Ages is gaining momentum, fueled by recent observational breakthroughs and strides in computing power. This project has three main themes. Firstly, observations now suggest that the reionization history of the Universe progressed in a non-monotonic manner, and simulations and semi-analytic models will be developed and used to test possible contributing effects. Secondly, optical depth effects and photon trapping will be added to simulations of early star formation, to try to make those studies more realistic. Finally, brightness temperature fluctuations due to the free-free contribution from the reionization epoch will be modeled in detail, for comparison to planned observations. This research could significantly alter the standard picture of how early star formation is thought to proceed. It has a direct impact on the interpretation of recent observations, and bears upon future instruments, possibly influencing their design and observational strategies. Collaboration meetings will strengthen ties with researchers on the East Coast and in Japan. The Dark Ages is a glamorous subject, ideally suited for its intended use in public talks and journalism, planned in conjunction with the host institution's strong outreach program.