The production of ionizing photons in UV-faint z ~ 3-7 galaxies

Abstract

Aims. The demographics of the production and escape of ionizing photons from UV-faint early galaxies is a key unknown that has hindered attempts to discover the primary drivers of reionization. With the advent of JWST, it is finally possible to observe the rest-frame optical nebular emission from individual sub-L∗z > 3 galaxies to measure the production rate of ionizing photons, ξion. Methods. Here we study a sample of 370 z ~3-7 galaxies spanning -23 < MUV 0.5) in our sample based on their photometric properties, even amongst the Lyman-alpha-selected galaxies. Conclusions. This work demonstrates that considering the full distribution of ξion across galaxy properties is important for assessing the primary drivers of reionization.