Abstract
A complete sample of 659 field galaxies with 17.0 < U ≤ 21.1, each with UBVR-I7500-I8600 photometry, has been selected from a deep field survey that covers 0.83 deg2 along six lines of sight. Each galaxy's spectral type and redshift have been estimated using a multicolor photometric technique of Liu & Green. Total number counts of the galaxies in the U band give a count slope d(log N)/dM = 0.55 ± 0.05, consistent with previous studies. The 545 galaxies in the sample classified as spectral type Sbc or bluer are analyzed for signs of evolution with redshift and for unusual star formation histories. The U-band luminosity function of these blue galaxies at 0.02 < z < 0.15 has a steep α -1.85 down to M(B) -14. The luminosity functions at 0.15 ≤ z < 0.3 and 0.3 ≤ z ≤ 0.5 show significant evolution in M* and * at levels consistent with those found in the Canada-France and Autofib redshift surveys. A significant population of very blue (rest-frame U - B < -0.35) galaxies, with spectral energy distributions indicating strong starburst activity, is observed at z 0.3 but not at z < 0.3. This population is confirmed via spectroscopy of part of the sample. These may be galaxies temporarily brightened by global starbursts, which subsequently fade and redden at lower redshifts.
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