Probing galaxy formation at high redshift with damped Lyman alpha systems

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One of the few possibilities to study the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early Universe directly is to investigate in detail the properties of damped Lyman α absorbers (DLAs) at high redshift. DLAs produce very strong HI Lyman α absorption in the spectra of quasars and are believed to represent protogalactic structures. However, the morphology of DLA host systems at redshifts z>2 it is not well known, and the exact role of DLAs in the hierarchical galaxy formation scenario yet needs to be explored. In this project we want to study high-redshift DLAs using quasar absorption spectroscopy and integral field spectroscopy. We want to analyze in detail the metal abundances in selected DLA systems to search for characteristic abundance patterns and signatures of an enrichment by the first generation of stars (Pop III) in the Universe. In addition, we want to study the star-formation rate in merger-DLAs by measuring the intensity and distribution of Ly α and H α emission in the DLA and sub-DLA host objects. The goal of this project is to better understand the morphology and chemical evolution of DLA systems in the early Universe and to characterize the role of DLAs as building blocks for present-day galaxies.