A central problem in the field of cosmic reionization is whether high- or low-density regions of the universe got ionized first (known as inside-out and outside-in scenarios). We will address this question by investigating the relation between galaxy distributions/overdensities (ODs) and the transmission of the intergalactic medium (IGM), using HSC images to be obtained through the current proposal. We are targeting a field with quasar metal absorption systems, which, together with the Lyα forest opacity in background quasar spectra, will be used to reveal the presence of ODs, allowing us to search for galaxy ODs within ionized bubbles. Since the pilot observations have been approved in S23B, we request mapping for another 3 fields at z=6.2 to increase the sample. This observational campaign will also provide an unprecedented research opportunity in synergy with HSC/NB872 and JWST/NIRCam so that we can search for dual emitters of Lyα and Hα at exactly the same redshift. Moreover, all of our proposed quasar fields for S24A have been/will be observed by JWST Cycle 1 GTO. Combining JWST images and spectra will give us insights into the relationship between galaxy ODs and ionized bubbles.
This document was translated from LATEX by HEVEA.