On the observability and identification of Population III galaxies with JWST

We utilize theoretical models of Population III stellar + nebular spectra to investigate the prospects of observing and accurately identifying Population III galaxies with JWST using both deep imaging and spectroscopy. We investigate a series of different colour cuts, finding that a combination of NIRCam and MIRI photometry through the F444W-F560W, F560W-F770W colours offers the most robust identifier of potential z = 8 Pop III candidates. We calculate that NIRCam will have to reach similar to 28.5-30.0 AB mag depths (1-20 h), and MIRI F560W must reach similar to 27.5-29.0 AB mag depths (10-100 h) to achieve 5 sigma continuum detections of M-* = 10(6) M-circle dot Pop III galaxies at z = 8. We also discuss the prospects of identifying Pop III candidates through slitless and NIRSpec spectroscopic surveys that target Ly alpha, H beta, and/or He II lambda 1640. We find small differences in the H beta rest-frame equivalent width (EW) between Pop III and non-Pop III galaxies, rendering this diagnostic likely impractical. Instead, we find that the detection of high EW He II lambda 1640 emission will serve as the definitive Pop III identifier, requiring (ultra-)deep integrations (5-150 h) with NIRSpec/G140M for M-* = 10(6) M-circle dot Pop III galaxies at z = 8. However, MIRI F770W detections of Pop III galaxies will require substantial gravitational lensing (mu = 10) and/or fortuitous imaging of exceptionally massive (M-* = 10(7) M-circle dot) Pop III galaxies. Thus, NIRCam medium-band imaging surveys that can search for high EW He II lambda 1640 emitters in photometry may perhaps be a viable alternative for finding Pop III candidates.

Automated summary

In this study, theoretical models are used to investigate the potential of observing and identifying Population III galaxies with JWST through deep imaging and spectroscopy. It is found that a combination of NIRCam and MIRI photometry is the most reliable method for identifying potential z = 8 Pop III candidates. The required depths for NIRCam and MIRI photometry to achieve 5 sigma continuum detections of Pop III galaxies at z = 8 are calculated. The prospects of identifying Pop III candidates through slitless and NIRSpec spectroscopic surveys are also discussed, with a focus on the detection of high equivalent width He II lambda 1640 emission.