Mark Chun

Gemini Observatory

Title: Imaging the low-redshift damped Lyman-alpha absorbers

Abstract:  We present results from a near-infrared imaging survey of the 
lowest redshift (z<0.5) damped Lyman-alpha absorption line systems with the 
University of Hawaii adaptive optics system Hokupa'a on the Gemini-North
telescope.  In several cases previously undetected candidates are found.  
Potential absorbing galaxies are distinguished morphologically and, where 
there is existing high-resolution optical data, from their spectral energy 
distributions.  If these candidate objects are the absorbing galaxies, then 
they are consistent with being small dwarf galaxies or the bulges of
low-surface 
brightness galaxies.  We discuss implications of this study on the nature of 
damped Lyman-alpha absorbers in the local and distant universe.  Finally, 
several potential instrumental improvements are mentioned that would to 
enhance this study.