Evolution with redshift of the star formation rate and of the accretion rate onto AGNs

The project aims to make a step forward a reliable physical model linking galaxy and AGN formation and evolution of primordial density perturbations. We have developed a comprehensive 'hybrid' approach (observationally considered), combining a physical, forward model (z > 1-1.5) with a phenomenological backward model (z < 1.5-2). This hybrid model provides a good fit to the multi-wavelength observational estimates. Furthermore, the evolution of the luminosity function of very high-z galaxies (z ~ 3-12) and their role on cosmic reionization as well as the nature of dark matter particles are being investigated within this upgraded model following the work by Mao et al. (2006).

• PhD student: Zhenyi Cai
• Advisors: Andrea Lapi, Luigi Danese, Gianfranco De Zotti

Dust production in Asymptotic Giant Branch stars

The aim of my PhD project is to model the dust production of stars of various mass, in galaxies with different metallicity. The final goal is to quantify the contribution of stars to the dust evolution, especially during the early epoch of galaxy formation. As a part of this project, I focused my work on the theoretical study of dust formation in circumstellar (CS) envelopes of Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars, their dust chemistry and their total dust ejecta. The final results will be suitable for a wide range of astrophysical applications, going from studies of resolved stellar populations in the mid-infrared to those of the integrated properties of local and high redshift galaxies.

• PhD student: Ambra Nanni
• Advisor: Alessandro Bressan