Investigating the evolution of red and blue quasars

We investigate the host galaxy and central supermassive black hole (SMBH) accretion properties of a sample of 218 red and blue broadline quasars (AGN with Lₓ > 10⁴⁴ erg/s) to test the predictions of the major merger-driven evolutionary model. Using rich multiwavelength data, we analyze differences in bolometric luminosity, specific star formation rate (sSFR), black hole mass, and their mutual relationships across the two populations. We find no statistically significant differences between red and blue quasars in any of these key parameters. Both populations exhibit similar distributions in accretion power, lie predominantly on the star-forming main sequence, and deviate similarly from the local Mʙʜ-M⁎ relation, suggesting concurrent rather than sequential growth of black holes and stellar mass. These findings challenge the view that red quasars represent a younger, dust-obscured, and more active phase of quasar evolution. Instead, the similarities between red and blue quasars suggest they are likely drawn from the same population, with no clear evidence of a transition in star formation or accretion behavior. Our results are consistent with emerging models of "backward growth,'' where black hole growth precedes that of the stellar component. Further observations, especially in the radio and submillimeter regimes, will be crucial to understanding feedback mechanisms and the broader evolutionary context of luminous quasars.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics (UMKC)

Grantor

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Cionitti, Rachel

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• McIntosh, Daniel H.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/110211

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/110211