The Intermediate-band Dropout Method: A New Method to Search for High-Redshift Galaxies

Abstract

We propose a new method to search for high-redshift galaxies that is based on an intermediate-band dropout technique rather than the usual broad-band dropout one. In this method, we use an intermediate-band filter whose central wavelength is longer than 7000 Ã . This new method makes it possible to distinguish both very late-type stars such as L and T dwarfs and dusty galaxies at intermediate redshift from real high-$z$ Lyman break galaxies. The reason for this is that such interlopers do not show strong intermediate-band depression although they have very red broad-band colors that are indicative of Lyman break galaxies. Applying our new method to imaging data sets obtained with the Suprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope, we find a new sample of Lyman break galaxies at $z \simeq 5$.

15 pages, 5 figures, PASJ, Vol.57, No.2, in press