The K Band Luminosity Function of High Redshift Clusters

Abstract

K band observations of the galaxy populations of three high redshift (z=0.8-1.0), X-ray selected, massive clusters are presented. The observations reach a depth of K = 21.5, corresponding to K*+3.5 mag. The evolution of the galaxy properties are discussed in terms of their K band luminosity functions and the K band Hubble diagram of brightest cluster galaxies. The bulk of the galaxies, as characterised by the parameter K* from the Schechter (1976) function, are found to be consistent with passive evolution with a redshift of formation of z_f = 1.5-2. This is in agreement with observations of other high redshift clusters, but in disagreement with field galaxies at similar redshifts. The shape of the luminosity function at high redshift, after correcting for passive evolution, is not significantly different from that of the Coma cluster, again consistent with passive evolution.