Using AGN Variability Surveys to explore the AGN-Galaxy Connection

Abstract

Abstract. Variability is a successful technique used to identify active galactic nuclei in both ground and space-based galaxy surveys. Optical variability surveys using HST have uncovered a number of AGN in deep extragalactic fields extending to z ∼ 3 and probing intrinsically faint sources. Mid-IR variability surveys using Spitzer have identified a significant number of AGN and are particularly sensitive to obscured sources. Many variability-detected AGN are not strong X-ray sources or lack the characteristic colors of AGN and would thus be unidentified using other selection techniques. In this conference proceedings, I discuss the nature of the variable sources and their host galaxies identified in deep extragalactic optical and mid-IR surveys.