Three Emission-Line Galaxies at z~2.4

Abstract

We present Keck near-infrared and WIYN optical photometry of a sample of galaxies detected by near-infrared narrowband imaging in the fields of quasar metal absorption line systems at z~2.4. Wide separations (0.6-1.6/h Mpc) from the quasars indicates that they are not directly responsible for the absorption systems. From the color excess of the galaxies we derived line fluxes, star formation rates, and equivalent widths. The data are consistent with one source having an active nucleus and two sources containing regions of star formation. The blue (R-K) colors for the sources suggest relatively lesser dust content. We discuss possible projects using current wide-field infrared instruments, which can cover an order of magnitude greater area with modest allocations of telescope time.