Faint Radio Source Population Research Articles

The LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey: The nature of the faint source population and SFR–radio luminosity relation using prospector

ABSTRACT Spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting has been extensively used to determine the nature of the faint radio source population. Recent efforts have combined fits from multiple SED-fitting codes to account for the host galaxy and any active nucleus that may be present. We show that it is possible to produce similar-quality classifications using a single energy-balance SED fitting code, prospector, to model up to 26 bands of UV–far-infrared aperture-matched photometry for ∼31 000 sources in the ELAIS-N1 field from the LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) deep fields first data release. One of a new generation of SED-fitting codes, prospector accounts for potential contributions from radiative active galactic nuclei (AGN) when estimating galaxy properties, including star formation rates (SFRs) derived using non-parametric star formation histories. Combining this information with radio luminosities, we classify 92 per cent of the radio sources as a star-forming galaxy, high-/low-excitation radio galaxy, or radio-quiet AGN and study the population demographics as a function of 150 MHz flux density, luminosity, SFR, stellar mass, redshift, and apparent r-band magnitude. Finally, we use prospector SED fits to investigate the SFR–150 MHz luminosity relation for a sample of ∼133 000 3.6 μm-selected z < 1 sources, finding that the stellar mass dependence is significantly weaker than previously reported, and may disappear altogether at $\log _{10} (\mathrm{SFR}/M_\odot \, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}) \gt 0.5$. This approach makes it significantly easier to classify radio sources from LoTSS and elsewhere, and may have important implications for future studies of star-forming galaxies at radio wavelengths.

The VLBA CANDELS GOODS-North Survey. II – Wide-field source catalogue comparison between the VLBA, EVN, e-MERLIN, and VLA

ABSTRACT Deep radio surveys of extragalactic legacy fields trace a large range of spatial and brightness temperature sensitivity scales, and therefore have differing biases to radio-emitting physical components within galaxies. This is particularly true of radio surveys performed at $\lesssim 1 \ \mathrm{arcsec}$ angular resolutions, and so robust comparisons are necessary to better understand the biases present in each survey. We present a multiresolution and multiwavelength analysis of the sources detected in a new Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) survey of the Cosmic Assembly Near-IR Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey-North field. For the 24 VLBA-selected sources described in Paper I, we augment the VLBA data with EVN data, and ∼0.1–1 arcsec angular resolution data provided by Very Large Array (VLA) and enhanced-Multi Element Remotely Linked Interferometry Network. This sample includes new active galactic nuclei (AGN) detected in this field, thanks to a new source extraction technique that adopts priors from ancillary multiwavelength data. The high brightness temperatures of these sources (TB ≳ 106 K) confirm AGN cores, that would often be missed or ambiguous in lower-resolution radio data of the same sources. Furthermore, only 15 sources are identified as ‘radiative’ AGN based on available X-ray and infrared constraints. By combining VLA and VLBA measurements, we find evidence that the majority of the extended radio emission is also AGN dominated, with only three sources with evidence for extended potentially star formation-dominated radio emission. We demonstrate the importance of wide-field multiresolution (arcsecond–milliarcsecond) coverage of the faint radio source population, for a complete picture of the multiscale processes within these galaxies.

SPARCS-North Wide-field VLBI Survey: exploring the resolved μJy extragalactic radio source population with EVN + e-MERLIN

ABSTRACT The SKA PAthfinder Radio Continuum Surveys (SPARCS) are providing deep-field imaging of the faint (sub-mJy) extragalactic radio source populations through a series of reference surveys. One of the key science goals for SPARCS is to characterize the relative contribution of radio emission associated with active galactic nucleus (AGN) from star formation (SF) in these faint radio source populations, using a combination of high sensitivity and high angular resolution imaging over a range of spatial scales (arcsec to mas). To isolate AGN contribution from SF, we hypothesize that there exists a brightness temperature cut-off point separating pure AGN from SF. We present a multiresolution (10–100 mas) view of the transition between compact AGN and diffuse SF through a deep wide-field EVN + e-MERLIN, multiple phase centre survey of the centre of the Northern SPARCS (SLOAN) reference field at 1.6 GHz. This is the first (and only) VLBI (+ e-MERLIN) milliarcsecond angular resolution observation of this field, and of the wider SPARCS reference field programme. Using these high spatial resolution (9 pc–0.3 kpc at z ∼ 1.25) data, 11 milliarcsec-scale sources are detected from a targeted sample of 52 known radio sources from previous observations with the e-MERLIN, giving a VLBI detection fraction of $\sim 21{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. At spatial scales of $\sim 9\,$pc, these sources show little to no jet structure whilst at $\sim 0.3\,$kpc one-sided and two-sided radio jets begin to emerge on the same sources, indicating a possible transition from pure AGN emissions to AGN and SF systems.

MIGHTEE: the nature of the radio-loud AGN population

ABSTRACT We study the nature of the faint radio source population detected in the MeerKAT International GHz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) Early Science data in the COSMOS field, focusing on the properties of the radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Using the extensive multiwavelength data available in the field, we are able to classify 88 per cent of the 5223 radio sources in the field with host galaxy identifications as AGNs (35 per cent) or star-forming galaxies (54 per cent). We select a sample of radio-loud AGNs with redshifts out to z ∼ 6 and radio luminosities 1020 < L1.4 GHz/W Hz−1 < 1027 and classify them as high-excitation and low-excitation radio galaxies (HERGs and LERGs). The classification catalogue is released with this work. We find no significant difference in the host galaxy properties of the HERGs and LERGs in our sample. In contrast to previous work, we find that the HERGs and LERGs have very similar Eddington-scaled accretion rates; in particular we identify a population of very slowly accreting AGNs that are formally classified as HERGs at these low radio luminosities, where separating into HERGs and LERGs possibly becomes redundant. We investigate how black hole mass affects jet power, and find that a black hole mass ≳ 107.8 M⊙ is required to power a jet with mechanical power greater than the radiative luminosity of the AGN (Lmech/Lbol > 1). We discuss that both a high black hole mass and black hole spin may be necessary to launch and sustain a dominant radio jet.

Radio continuum sources behind the Large Magellanic Cloud

ABSTRACT We present a comprehensive multifrequency catalogue of radio sources behind the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) between 0.2 and 20 GHz, gathered from a combination of new and legacy radio continuum surveys. This catalogue covers an area of ∼144 deg2 at angular resolutions from 45 arcsec to ∼3 arcmin. We find 6434 discrete radio sources in total, of which 3789 are detected at two or more radio frequencies. We estimate the median spectral index (α; where Sv ∼ να) of α = −0.89 and mean of −0.88 ± 0.48 for 3636 sources detected exclusively at two frequencies (0.843 and 1.384 GHz) with similar resolution [full width at half-maximum (FWHM) ∼40–45 arcsec]. The large frequency range of the surveys makes it an effective tool to investigate Gigahertz Peak Spectrum (GPS), Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS), and Infrared Faint Radio Source (IFRS) populations within our sample. We find 10 GPS candidates with peak frequencies near 5 GHz, from which we estimate their linear size. 1866 sources from our catalogue are CSS candidates with α < −0.8. We found six candidates for High Frequency Peaker (HFP) sources, whose radio fluxes peak above 5 GHz and no sources with unconstrained peaks and α > 0.5. We found optical counterparts for 343 of the radio continuum sources, of which 128 have a redshift measurement. Finally, we investigate the population of 123 IFRSs found in this study.

The LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey: Deep Fields Data Release 1

We present the source associations, cross-identifications, and multi-wavelength properties of the faint radio source population detected in the deep tier of the LOFAR Two Metre Sky Survey (LoTSS): the LoTSS Deep Fields. The first LoTSS Deep Fields data release consists of deep radio imaging at 150 MHz of the ELAIS-N1, Lockman Hole, and Boötes fields, down to RMS sensitives of around 20, 22, and 32 μJy beam−1, respectively. These fields are some of the best studied extra-galactic fields in the northern sky, with existing deep, wide-area panchromatic photometry from X-ray to infrared wavelengths, covering a total of ≈26 deg2. We first generated improved multi-wavelength catalogues in ELAIS-N1 and Lockman Hole; combined with the existing catalogue for Boötes, we present forced, matched aperture photometry for over 7.2 million sources across the three fields. We identified multi-wavelength counterparts to the radio detected sources, using a combination of the Likelihood Ratio method and visual classification, which greatly enhances the scientific potential of radio surveys and allows for the characterisation of the photometric redshifts and the physical properties of the host galaxies. The final radio-optical cross-matched catalogue consists of 81 951 radio-detected sources, with counterparts identified and multi-wavelength properties presented for 79 820 (>97%) sources. We also examine the properties of the host galaxies, and through stacking analysis find that the radio population with no identified counterpart is likely dominated by active galactic nuclei (AGN) atz~ 3−4. This dataset contains one of the largest samples of radio-selected star-forming galaxies and AGN at these depths, making it ideal for studying the history of star-formation, and the evolution of galaxies and AGN across cosmic time.

Searching for obscured AGN in z ∼ 2 submillimetre galaxies

Aims. Submillimetre-selected galaxies (SMGs) at high redshift (z ∼ 2) are potential host galaxies of active galactic nuclei (AGN). If the local Universe is a good guide, ∼50% of the obscured AGN amongst the SMG population could be missed even in the deepest X-ray surveys. Radio observations are insensitive to obscuration; therefore, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) can be used as a tool to identify AGN in obscured systems. A well-established upper limit to the brightness temperature of 105 K exists in star-forming systems, thus VLBI observations can distinguish AGN from star-forming systems via brightness temperature measurements. Methods. We present 1.6 GHz European VLBI Network (EVN) observations of four SMGs (with measured redshifts) to search for evidence of compact radio components associated with AGN cores. For two of the sources, e-MERLIN images are also presented. Results. Out of the four SMGs observed, we detect one source, J123555.14, that has an integrated EVN flux density of 201 ± 15.2 μJy, corresponding to a brightness temperature of 5.2 ± 0.7 × 105 K. We therefore identify that the radio emission from J123555.14 is associated with an AGN. We do not detect compact radio emission from a possible AGN in the remaining sources (J123600.10, J131225.73, and J163650.43). In the case of J131225.73, this is particularly surprising, and the data suggest that this may be an extended, jet-dominated AGN that is resolved by VLBI. Since the morphology of the faint radio source population is still largely unknown at these scales, it is possible that with a ∼10 mas resolution, VLBI misses (or resolves) many radio AGN extended on kiloparsec scales.

The faint radio source population at 15.7 GHz – IV. The dominance of core emission in faint radio galaxies

ABSTRACT We present 15-GHz Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array observations of a complete sample of radio galaxies selected at 15.7 GHz from the Tenth Cambridge (10C) survey. 67 out of the 95 sources (71 per cent) are unresolved in the new observations and lower frequency radio observations, placing an upper limit on their angular size of ∼2 arcsec. Thus, compact radio galaxies, or radio galaxies with very faint jets, are the dominant population in the 10C survey. This provides support for the suggestion in our previous work that low-luminosity ($L\lt 10^{25} \, \textrm{W~Hz}^{-1}$) radio galaxies are core dominated, although higher resolution observations are required to confirm this directly. The 10C sample of compact, high-frequency selected radio galaxies is a mixture of high-excitation and low-excitation radio galaxies and displays a range of radio spectral shapes, demonstrating that they are a mixed population of objects.

VLBA+GBT observations of the COSMOS field and radio source counts at 1.4 GHz

We present very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of 179 radio sources in the COSMOS field with extremely high sensitivity using the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) together with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) (VLBA+GBT) at 1.4 GHz, to explore the faint radio population in the flux density regime of tens of μJy. Here, the identification of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is based on the VLBI detection of the source, meaning that it is independent of X-ray or infrared properties. The milli-arcsecond resolution provided by the VLBI technique implies that the detected sources must be compact and have large brightness temperatures, and therefore they are most likely AGN (when the host galaxy is located at z ≥ 0.1). On the other hand, this technique only allows us to positively identify when a radio-active AGN is present, in other words, we cannot affirm that there is no AGN when the source is not detected. For this reason, the number of identified AGN using VLBI should be always treated as a lower limit. We present a catalogue containing the 35 radio sources detected with the VLBA+GBT, ten of which were not previously detected using only the VLBA. We have constructed the radio source counts at 1.4 GHz using the samples of the VLBA and VLBA+GBT detected sources of the COSMOS field to determine a lower limit for the AGN contribution to the faint radio source population. We found an AGN contribution of >40−75% at flux density levels between 150 μJy and 1 mJy. This flux density range is characterised by the upturn of the Euclidean-normalised radio source counts, which implies a contribution of a new population. This result supports the idea that the sub-mJy radio population is composed of a significant fraction of radio-emitting AGN, rather than solely by star-forming galaxies, in agreement with previous studies.

GMRT 610-MHz observations of the faint radio source population – and what these tell us about the higher radio-frequency sky

We present 610-MHz Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations of 0.84 deg$^2$ of the AMI001 field (centred on $00^{\rm h} 23^{\rm m} 10^{\rm s}$, $+31^{\circ} 53'$) with an r.m.s. noise of 18 $\mu$Jy beam$^{-1}$ in the centre of the field. 955 sources are detected, and 814 are included in the source count analysis. The source counts from these observations are consistent with previous work. We have used these data to study the spectral index distribution of a sample of sources selected at 15.7 GHz from the recent deep extension to the Tenth Cambridge (10C) survey. The median spectral index, $\alpha$, (where $S \propto \nu^{-\alpha}$) between $0.08 < S_{15.7~\rm GHz} / \rm mJy < 0.2$ is $0.32 \pm 0.14$, showing that star-forming galaxies, which have much steeper spectra, are not contributing significantly to this population. This is in contrast to several models, but in agreement with the results from the 10C ultra-deep source counts; the high-frequency sky therefore continues to be dominated by radio galaxies down to $S_{15.7~\rm GHz} = 0.1$ mJy.

The Lockman Hole project: LOFAR observations and spectral index properties of low-frequency radio sources

The Lockman Hole is a well-studied extragalactic field with extensive multi-band ancillary data covering a wide range in frequency, essential for characterising the physical and evolutionary properties of the various source populations detected in deep radio fields (mainly star-forming galaxies and AGNs). In this paper we present new 150-MHz observations carried out with the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR), allowing us to explore a new spectral window for the faint radio source population. This 150-MHz image covers an area of 34.7 square degrees with a resolution of 18.6$\times$14.7 arcsec and reaches an rms of 160 $\mu$Jy beam$^{-1}$ at the centre of the field. As expected for a low-frequency selected sample, the vast majority of sources exhibit steep spectra, with a median spectral index of $\alpha_{150}^{1400}=-0.78\pm0.015$. The median spectral index becomes slightly flatter (increasing from $\alpha_{150}^{1400}=-0.84$ to $\alpha_{150}^{1400}=-0.75$) with decreasing flux density down to $S_{150} \sim$10 mJy before flattening out and remaining constant below this flux level. For a bright subset of the 150-MHz selected sample we can trace the spectral properties down to lower frequencies using 60-MHz LOFAR observations, finding tentative evidence for sources to become flatter in spectrum between 60 and 150 MHz. Using the deep, multi-frequency data available in the Lockman Hole, we identify a sample of 100 Ultra-steep spectrum (USS) sources and 13 peaked spectrum sources. We estimate that up to 21 percent of these could have $z>4$ and are candidate high-$z$ radio galaxies, but further follow-up observations are required to confirm the physical nature of these objects.

The Lockman Hole with LOFAR: Searching for GPS and CSS sources at low frequencies

AbstractThe Lockman Hole Project is a wide international collaboration aimed at exploiting the multi‐band extensive and deep information available for the Lockman Hole region, with the aim of better characterizing the physical and evolutionary properties of the various source populations detected in deep radio fields. Recent observations with the LOw‐Frequency ARray (LOFAR) extends the multi‐frequency radio information currently available for the Lockman Hole (from 350 MHz up to 15 GHz) down to 150 MHz, allowing us to explore a new radio spectral window for the faint radio source population. These LOFAR observations allow us to study the population of sources with spectral peaks at lower radio frequencies, providing insight into the evolution of GPS and CSS sources. In this general framework, I present preliminary results from 150 MHz LOFAR observations of the Lockman Hole field. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The faint radio source population at 15.7 GHz – II. Multi-wavelength properties

A complete, flux density limited sample of 96 faint ($> 0.5$ mJy) radio sources is selected from the 10C survey at 15.7 GHz in the Lockman Hole. We have matched this sample to a range of multi-wavelength catalogues, including SERVS, SWIRE, UKIDSS and optical data; multi-wavelength counterparts are found for 80 of the 96 sources and spectroscopic redshifts are available for 24 sources. Photometric reshifts are estimated for the sources with multi-wavelength data available; the median redshift of the sample is 0.91 with an interquartile range of 0.84. Radio-to-optical ratios show that at least 94 per cent of the sample are radio loud, indicating that the 10C sample is dominated by radio galaxies. This is in contrast to samples selected at lower frequencies, where radio-quiet AGN and starforming galaxies are present in significant numbers at these flux density levels. All six radio-quiet sources have rising radio spectra, suggesting that they are dominated by AGN emission. These results confirm the conclusions of Paper I that the faint, flat-spectrum sources which are found to dominate the 10C sample below $\sim 1$ mJy are the cores of radio galaxies. The properties of the 10C sample are compared to the SKADS Simulated Skies; a population of low-redshift starforming galaxies predicted by the simulation is not found in the observed sample.

Deep, wide-field, global VLBI observations of theHubbledeep field north (HDF-N) and flanking fields (HFF)

Dust is commonly present in weakly radio emitting star-forming galaxies and this dust may obscure the signatures of accreting black holes in these objects. We aim to uncover weak active galactic nuclei, AGN, in the faint radio source population by means of deep high-resolution radio observations. VLBI observations with a world-wide array at unparallelled sensitivity are carried out to assess the nature of the faint radio source population in the Hubble Deep Field North and its flanking fields. Images of twelve compact, AGN-driven radio sources are presented. These represent roughly one quarter of the detectable faint radio source sample. Most, but not all of these low power AGN have X-ray detections. The majority of the faint radio source population must be star-forming galaxies. Faint AGN occur in a variety of (distant) host galaxies, and these are often accompanied by a dust-obscured starburst. Deep, high-resolution VLBI is a unique, powerful technique to assess the occurrence of faint AGN.

The ATLAS 5.5 GHz survey of the extendedChandraDeep Field South: catalogue, source counts and spectral indices

Star forming galaxies are thought to dominate the sub-mJy radio population, but recent work has shown that low luminosity AGN can still make a significant contribution to the faint radio source population. Spectral indices are an important tool for understanding the emission mechanism of the faint radio sources. We have observed the extended Chandra Deep Field South at 5.5 GHz using a mosaic of 42 pointings with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). Our image reaches an almost uniform sensitivity of ~12 microJy rms over 0.25 deg^2 with a restoring beam of 4.9 x 2.0 arcsec, making it one of the deepest 6cm surveys to date. We present the 5.5 GHz catalogue and source counts from this field. We take advantage of the large amounts of ancillary data in this field to study the 1.4 to 5.5 GHz spectral indices of the sub-mJy population. For the full 5.5 GHz selected sample we find a flat median spectral index, alpha_med = -0.40, which is consistent with previous results. However, the spectral index appears to steepen at the faintest flux density levels (S_{5.5 GHz} < 0.1 mJy), where alpha_med = -0.68. We performed stacking analysis of the faint 1.4 GHz selected sample (40 < S_{1.4 GHz} < 200 microJy) and also find a steep average spectral index, alpha = -0.8, consistent with synchrotron emission. We find a weak trend of steepening spectral index with redshift. Several young AGN candidates are identified using spectral indices, suggesting Gigahertz Peaked Spectrum (GPS) sources are as common in the mJy population as they are at Jy levels.

Radio galaxies and type‐2 quasars in the Spitzer Extragalactic First Look Survey

AbstractWe use mid‐infrared colour‐colour plots made with data from the Spitzer First Look Survey to explore the emission mechanisms of faint radio sources in that field. Using mid‐infrared colours alone, we are able to see the transition from a starburst‐dominated radio source population at sub‐mJy levels to the radiogalaxy/quasar population at mJy levels. Both FR I and some FR II galaxies show little or no mid‐infrared excess, suggesting they either lack dusty tori, or a strong continuum source to heat them, or both. Objects with hot, dusty tori, most likely radio‐intermediate and radio‐quiet AGN, make up a significant fraction of the faint radio source population. We also discuss the use of mid‐infrared colour‐colour plots to select radio quiet obscured AGN. Early results from imaging the host galaxies of these type‐2 quasars at high spatial resolution with adaptive optics indicates that they, like type‐1 quasars and radio galaxies, are often found to be hosted by giant elliptical galaxies. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Optical and X-Ray Identification of Faint Radio Sources in the GOODS CDF-S Advanced Camera for Surveys Field

We present optical and X-ray identifications for the 64 radio sources in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey Chandra Deep Field-South Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) field revealed in the Australia Telescope Compact Array 1.4 GHz survey of the Chandra Deep Field-South. Optical identifications are made using the ACS images and catalogs, while the X-ray view is provided by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory 1 Ms observations. Redshifts for the identified sources are drawn from publicly available catalogs of spectroscopic observations and multiband photometric-based estimates. Using this multiwavelength information we provide a first characterization of the faint radio source population in this region. The sample contains a mixture of star-forming galaxies and active galactic nuclei, as identified by their X-ray properties and optical spectroscopy. A large number of morphologically disturbed galaxies are found, possibly related to star formation. In spite of the very deep optical data available in this field, seven of the 64 radio sources have no optical identification to z850 ~ 28 mag. Only one of these is identified in the X-ray.

Deep field surveys – A radio view

I present an simple, introductory review text, focusing on recent deep field studies using radio telescopes, including high-resolution, wide-field VLBI observations. The nature of the faint radio source population is discussed, taking into account complimentary data and results that are now available via the sub-mm, IR, optical and X-ray wave-bands. New developments regarding the increased sensitivity of VLBI and an expansion in the instruments field-of-view are also presented. VLBI may be an important tool in recognising distant, obscured AGN from the “contaminant” star forming galaxies that now dominate lower-resolution, sub-arcsecond and arcsecond radio observations.

Deep VLBI Imaging of Faint Radio Sources in the NOAO Bootes Field

We have conducted a deep, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observation at 1.4 GHz of an area of sky located within the NOAO Bootes field, using the NRAO Very Long Baseline Array and 100 m Green Bank Telescope. Applying wide-field VLBI techniques, a total of 61 sources, selected from a Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) image, were surveyed simultaneously with a range of different sensitivities and resolutions. The survey covered a total of 1017 arcmin2 = 0.28 deg2 divided into annular fields centered on α = 14h29m270, δ = +35°28'3000 (J2000.0). The inner 0-2' of the field reached an unprecedented 1 σ rms noise level of 9 μJy beam-1 and yielded two detections. VLBI J142923.6466 and VLBI J142934.7033 have brightness temperatures in excess of 106 K, and we locate the active nuclei of their host galaxies (NDWFS J142923.6+352851 and NDWFS J142934.7+352859, with I ~ 16.3 and 19.6 mag, respectively). Further deep surveys of the inner 2'-4' and 4'-6' of the field, with 1 σ rms noise levels of 11-19 μJy beam-1, detected a previously known source, VLBI J142910.2224, a quasar with a brightness temperature in excess of 109 K, that was also used during these observations as an in-beam phase calibrator. The deep VLBI survey between 0' and 6' thus detected three radio sources, drawn from a total of 24 targets. A shallower VLBI survey, conducted between 6' and 18' of the field center, and with 1 σ rms noise levels of 37-55 μJy beam-1, detected a further six radio sources, drawn from 37 additional targets. Each of those six VLBI detections has a brightness temperature in excess of 105 K; this hints that those six are accretion-powered, a suggestion reinforced by the double structure of three of them. Combining the deep and shallow VLBI surveys, optical identifications are available for eight of the nine VLBI detections. Only VLBI J142906.6095 remains unidentified (I > 25.6 mag), quite unusually, as its integrated WSRT flux density is 20 mJy. Two other sources are not detected in the K-band (K > 18.5 mag), suggesting that some significant fraction of these compact radio sources may be located at z > 1. The VLBI detection rate for sub-mJy WSRT radio sources is 8%. The VLBI detection rate for mJy WSRT sources is higher, 29%. This observational trend is expected from a rapidly evolving radio source population. Moreover, this trend supports deep radio surveys, at lower resolution, which have suggested that the radio emission associated with fainter sub-mJy and μJy sources arises via processes associated with extended regions of star formation. The nine VLBI detections reported here pinpoint the precise location of active nuclei or candidate active nuclei, and their VLBI positions can help to anchor the NOAO Bootes field to the International Celestial Reference Frame. The simultaneous detection of several sub-mJy and mJy radio sources, in a single observation, suggest that their combined response may be used to self-calibrate wide-field VLBI data. There is every prospect that future deep VLBI observations will be able to take advantage of this wide-field technique, in any random direction on the sky, thereby generating large-area, unbiased surveys of the faint radio source population.

Radio observations of the 13hXMM-Newton/ROSATDeep X-ray Survey Area

In order to determine the relationship between the faint X-ray and faint radio source populations, and hence to help understand the X-ray and radio emission mechanisms in those faint source populations, we have made a deep 1.4-GHz Very Large Array radio survey of the 13 h + 38° XMM-Newton/ROSAT X-ray Survey Area. From a combined data set of 10-h, B-configuration data and 14-h, A-configuration data, maps with 3.35-arcsec resolution and a noise limit of 7.5 μJy were constructed. A complete sample of 449 sources was detected within a 30-arcmin diameter region above a 4a detection limit of 30 μJy, at the map centre, making this one of the deepest radio surveys at this frequency. The differential source count shows a significant upturn at submilliJansky flux densities, similar to that seen in other deep surveys at 1.4 GHz (e.g. the Phoenix survey), but larger than that seen in the Hubble Deep Field (HDF) which may have been selected to be underdense. This upturn is well modelled by the emergence of a population of medium-redshift star-forming galaxies which dominate at faint flux densities. The brighter source counts are well modelled by active galactic nuclei.