Deep J-band imaging of high redshift QSO candidates with the Himalayan Chandra Telescope

Abstract

High redshift QSOs (redshift >5.7) are highly important ob jects. If such QSOs may be found, their spectra will reveal the onset of reionization of the intergalactic medium (Gunn-Peterson trough), and provide precious in sights into the re-ionization epoch in the very early universe. Here we report our pilot attempt to follow-up high redshift QSOs with the Himalayan Chandra Telescope. Deep J-band imaging was performed on three high redshift QSO candidates colour-selected from the SDSS, using the near-infrared imager. Although none of the targets turned out to be likely high redshift QSOs, careful data reduction shows that the data reach the required depth, proving that the Himalayan Chandra Telescope is a powerful tool to follow-up high redshift QSO candidates.