The NV/CIV ratio in high redshift radio galaxies

Abstract

Deep Keck spectropolarimetry has been obtained of a sample of powerful radio galaxies with $z \sim 2.5 \pm 1$. In addition to a clear 2200Ådust scattering/extinction signature and an inverse correlation between the degree of continuum polarization and the Lyman-αemission line strength (relative to C IV), we find an intriguing positive correlation between the N~V/C IV ratio and the polarization. The line ratio, which varies by almost a dex amongst objects having a very similar ionization state, is most likely to indicate an abundance ratio. We speculate that the correlation with polarization represents a connection between nitrogen enhancement and dust production following a major starburst event connected with the birth of the quasar.