The impact of AGN on the life of their host galaxies at z ∼ 2

Abstract

Feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGN) is thought to be key in shaping the life cycle of host galaxies by regulating star formation. Therefore, measuring the molecular gas reservoir out of which stars form is essential to understand the impact of AGN on star formation. In this talk I present an ongoing analysis to study the CO(J = 3−2) emission in a sample of 25 AGN at z ∼ 2 using ALMA observations. The CO properties of our AGN have been compared to normal (non-AGN) star-forming galaxies. The comparison between the two samples reveals that, on average, the CO luminosities of AGN at high stellar masses (log(M*/M⊙) > 11) are 0.5 dex lower than normal galaxies. We ascribe this difference to the AGN activity, which could be able to change the conditions of the gas through, e.g., excitation, heating or removal of CO.