Revealing the formation histories of the first stars with the cosmic near-infrared background

ABSTRACT The cosmic near-infrared background (NIRB) offers a powerful integral probe of radiative processes at different epochs, including the pre-reionization era when metal-free, Population III (Pop III) stars first formed. While radiation from metal-enriched, II II) likely dominates contribution to observed NIRB reionization era, Pop – if formed efficiently might leave characteristic imprints on NIRB, thanks their strong Ly? emission. Using physically motivated model star formation, we provide an analysis mean spectrum and anisotropy contributed by stellar populations z > 5. We find that in circumstances where massive persistently form molecular cooling haloes rate few times $10^{-3}\, \mathrm{ M}_\odot \ \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, before being suppressed towards epoch (EoR) accumulated Lyman–Werner background, unique spectral signature shows up redward $1\, \mu$m sourced galaxies detailed shape amplitude depend various factors formation histories, initial mass function, LyC escape fraction so forth, most interesting scenarios with efficient are within reach forthcoming facilities, such as Spectro-Photometer for History Universe, Epoch Reionization, Ices Explorer. As result, new constraints abundance history high redshifts will be available through precise measurements next years.