Mass Functions of Supermassive Black Holes across Cosmic Time. (11th January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Brandon C.; Merloni, Andrea
• Other Names: Civano Francesca Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Advances in astronomy. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-01-11
• Subjects: Astronomy -- Periodicals; Astronomy; Periodicals; 520
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/970858
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-7977

Abstract

Abstract : The black hole mass function of supermassive black holes describes the evolution of the distribution of black hole mass. It is one of the primary empirical tools available for mapping the growth of supermassive black holes and for constraining theoretical models of their evolution. In this paper, we discuss methods for estimating the black hole mass function, including their advantages and disadvantages. We also review the results of using these methods for estimating the mass function of both active and inactive black holes. In addition, we review current theoretical models for the growth of supermassive black holes that predict the black hole mass function. We conclude with a discussion of directions for future research which will lead to improvement in both empirical and theoretical determinations of the mass function of supermassive black holes.