Constraining Reionization with Lyman Alpha Emitting Galaxies

Abstract

Neutral diffuse intergalactic gas that existed during the Epoch of Reionization (EoR) suppresses Lyman Alpha (Lya) flux emitted by background galaxies. In this chapter I summarise the increasing observational support for the claim that Lya photons emitted by galaxies at z>6 are suppressed by intervening HI gas. I describe key physical processes that affect Lya transfer during the EoR. I argue that in spite of the uncertainties associated with this complex multiscale problem, the data on Lya emitting galaxies at z=0-6 strongly suggests that the observed reduction in Lya flux from galaxies at z>6 is due to additional intervening HI gas. The main question is what fraction of this additional HI gas is in the diffuse neutral IGM. I summarise how future surveys on existing and upcoming instruments are expected to reduce existing observational uncertainties enormously. With these improved data we will likely be able to nail down reionization with Lya emitting galaxies.