| Description |
We propose Herschel SPIRE and PACS atomic and molecular line spectroscopy and photometry of 23 H2-luminous radio galaxies. Most of these galaxies are IR-weak, such that the kinetic energy output of the radio jet dominates over the radiative output from the AGN accretion disk and star formation in the host galaxy. This new class of galaxies, discovered by Spitzer, has unique MIR spectra with very strong H2 rotational emission lines but weak PAH features compared to normal star-forming galaxies. We may be seeing the direct effects of AGN radio jet feedback, dramatically and fundamentally disturbing the host galaxy interstellar medium in a way that suppresses star formation. Herschel spectroscopy and photometry are essential to inventory the mass and energetics of the atomic and molecular ISM over a wide range of densities and temperatures, and thereby obtain a better understanding of the radio jet feedback mechanism that regulates massive galaxy evolution. We will use shock models to interpret the O I and CO emission line spectra and determine the density, temperature, and energetics of shocked molecular gas. Herschel photometry will probe the peak of the IR SED and yield estimates of the total mass of cold dust and cold molecular gas. This will allow us to assess what fraction of the molecular ISM is disturbed by shocks, and understand why and to what extent star formation is suppressed by radio jet feedback. |
