Observing AGN feedback with CO intensity mapping

Understand

Current models of galaxy formation require star formation in high-mass galaxies to be limited by poorly understood mechanisms of quasar feedback.

• Feedback processes can be studied by examining the molecular gas content of AGN hosts through the CO rotational ladder, but the complexity of these observations means that current data are limited to only extremely CO-bright objects.
• Upcoming CO intensity mapping experiments offer an opportunity for a less biased probe of quasar feedback.
• By correlating intensity maps with spectroscopic AGN surveys, we can obtain a measurement of the mean CO luminosity of a large population of quasars simultaneously.