Pregalactic metal enrichment: The chemical signatures of the first stars

Torgny Karlsson, Volker Bromm, and Joss Bland-Hawthorn
Rev. Mod. Phys. 85, 809 – Published 15 May 2013

Abstract

The emergence of the first sources of light at redshifts of z1030 signaled the transition from the simple initial state of the Universe to one of increasing complexity. Recent progress in our understanding of the formation of the first stars and galaxies, starting with cosmological initial conditions, primordial gas cooling, and subsequent collapse and fragmentation are reviewed. The important open question of how the pristine gas was enriched with heavy chemical elements in the wake of the first supernovae is emphasized. The review concludes by discussing how the chemical abundance patterns conceivably allow us to probe the properties of the first stars, and allow us to test models of early metal enrichment.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
13 More
  • Received 31 December 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.85.809

© 2013 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Torgny Karlsson*

  • Sydney Institute for Astronomy, School of Physics, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia and University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RH, United Kingdom

Volker Bromm

  • Department of Astronomy and Texas Cosmology Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA

Joss Bland-Hawthorn

  • Sydney Institute for Astronomy, School of Physics, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia and University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RH, United Kingdom

  • *torgny@physics.usyd.edu.au

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 85, Iss. 2 — April - June 2013

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Reviews of Modern Physics

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×