Description
AGN feedback has become a key focus of galaxy evolution studies, due to the discovery of quiescent galaxies up to z～7 demonstrating that AGN feedback is required earlier in cosmic time than previously thought. Although JWST has now revealed a larger-than-expected population of AGN at z>4, their influence on their host galaxies’ evolution remains under debate: Does the main impact arise through a rapid ejection of gas via outflows, or through long-term cumulative feedback? I will present results from the analysis of new JWST/NIRSpec IFS data on two z∼7.6 low-mass (M ~ $10^8$ $\text{M}_\odot$, Curti+23) AGN host candidates lensed by a cluster. These AGN candidates were identified based on high-ionisation lines. The exquisite, deep IFS data shows spatially-resolved ionised gas kinematics via the [O III]λ5007 emission line; by identifying faint broad wings in the [O III]λ5007 profile, we infer the presence of galaxy-wide outflows, and explore spatially-resolved outflow properties of moderate-luminosity AGN at z>7 for the very first time. I will present a unique application of gas kinematic modelling to these galaxies, aiming to untangle outflows from galactic rotation. I will place constraints on the outflow properties, discussing the extent to which the observed outflows may be driven by star formation. Lastly, I will discuss the impact of the AGN feedback on the evolution of these high-redshift galaxies, with the aim of situating my results in a wider context to reveal how the impact of AGN feedback varies across cosmic time.
