In "Coevolution of Black Holes and Galaxies", from the Carnegie Observatories Centennial Symposia. Published by Cambridge University Press, as part of the Carnegie Observatories Astrophysics Series. Edited by L. C. Ho, 2004, p. 325.
astro-ph/0304150

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THE EVOLUTION OF QUASARS

Patrick S. Osmer


Department of Astronomy, The Ohio State University


Abstract. This article reviews and discusses (1) the discovery and early work on the evolution of quasars and AGNs, (2) the different techniques used to find quasars and their suitability for evolutionary studies, (3) the current status of our knowledge of AGN evolution for 0 < z < 6, (4) the new results and questions that deep radio and X-ray surveys are producing for the subject, (5) the relation of AGNs to the massive black holes being found in local galaxies and what they tell us about both galaxy and AGN evolution, and (6) current research problems and future directions in quasar and AGN evolution.


Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUES, SELECTION EFFECTS, AND SURVEYS
Techniques for Finding Quasars and AGNs

EVOLUTION OF THE AGN POPULATION
Results through 1995
Recent Large Optical Surveys
Spectral Evolution
Evolution of Radio Sources

ESTIMATING BLACK HOLE MASSES

THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS: HOW THE MASSES GROW

CURRENT RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Optical/Infrared Surveys
Evolution of X-ray Sources

NEXT STEPS

REFERENCES

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