# Star formation properties of sub-mJy radio sources

**Authors:** M. Bonzini, V. Mainieri, P. Padovani, P. Andreani, S. Berta, M. Bethermin, D. Lutz, G. Rodighiero, D. Rosario, P. Tozzi, S. Vattakunnel  
**arXiv:** [1508.01905](https://arxiv.org/abs/1508.01905)  
**Date:** 2015-08-08  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/1508.01905v1/

## Key points

- Investigated star formation properties of approximately 800 sources detected in a deep radio survey
- Sample covers redshifts from 0.1 to 4 and includes star forming galaxies (SFGs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs)
- Compared star formation rate (SFR) derived from far infrared luminosity with SFR computed from radio emission
- Radio power serves as an accurate tracer for SFR in both pure SFGs and host galaxies of radio-quiet AGNs
- No significant deviation in relation to redshift or specific SFR
- Quantified contribution of starburst activity within SFGs and investigated AGN occurrence among different levels of star formation
- Provides insights into astrophysical processes contributing to overall star formation activity
- Deep radio surveys can be used as a tool for studying cosmic star formation history
- Contributes to understanding how stars form and evolve throughout cosmic history
- Highlights new avenues for future investigations using deep radio surveys

## Summary

In this study, the authors investigate the star formation properties of approximately 800 sources that were detected in one of the deepest radio surveys at a frequency of 1.4 GHz. The sample used covers a wide range of redshifts from 0.1 to 4 and encompasses both star forming galaxies (SFGs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which are further divided into radio-quiet and radio-loud objects. The main objective is to compare the star formation rate (SFR) derived from far infrared luminosity traced by Herschel with the SFR computed from radio emission. The authors find that the radio power serves as an accurate tracer for SFR in both pure SFGs and host galaxies of radio-quiet AGNs with no significant deviation in relation to redshift or specific SFR. They also quantify the contribution of starburst activity within SFGs and investigate AGN occurrence among sources with different levels of star formation. This provides valuable insights into how different astrophysical processes contribute to overall star formation activity. Based on their findings, they discuss how deep radio surveys can be used as a tool for studying cosmic star formation history. By examining a large number of sources across various redshifts and SFR ranges, this study contributes to our understanding of how stars form and evolve throughout cosmic history. Overall, this research sheds light on important aspects related to star formation properties in galaxies and AGNs while highlighting new avenues for future investigations using deep radio surveys.