$SuperBoRG$: Exploration of point sources at $z\sim8$ in HST parallel fields

2020 
To extend the search for quasars in the epoch of reionization beyond the tip of the luminosity function, we explore point source candidates at redshift $z\sim8$ in $SuperBoRG$, a compilation of $\sim$0.4deg$^2$ archival medium-deep ($m_{\rm F160W}\sim 26.5$ABmag, 5$\sigma$) parallel IR images taken with the $Hubble\ Space\ Telescope\ (HST)$. Initial candidates are selected by using the Lyman-break technique. We then carefully analyze source morphology, and robustly identify 3 point sources at $z\sim8$. Photometric redshift analysis reveals that they are preferentially fit by extra-galactic templates, and we conclude that they are unlikely to be low-$z$ interlopers, including brown dwarfs. A clear IRAC ch2 flux excess is seen in one of the point sources, which is expected if the source has strong H$\beta$+[O III] emission with rest-frame equivalent width of $\sim3000$AA. Deep spectroscopic data taken with Keck/MOSFIRE, however, do not reveal Ly$\alpha$ emission from the object. In combination with the estimated H$\beta$+[O III] equivalent width, we place an upper limit on its Ly$\alpha$ escape fraction $f_{\rm esc, Ly\alpha} 100\times$ survey volume may be required to find one of this luminosity. The $James\ Webb\ Space\ Telescope$ will be able to conclusively determine the nature of our luminous point source candidates, while the $Roman\ Space\ Telescope$ will probe $\sim 200$ times the area of the sky with the same observing time considered in this $HST$ study.
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