Quasar Metal Abundances and Host Galaxy Evolution

Abstract

Quasars signal a unique phase of galaxy evolution -- when massive spheroids are rapidly being assembled, forming stars and growing their central super-massive black holes. Measurements of the metal abundances around quasars provide unique information about these complex evolutionary processes. Here we provide a brief review of the current status and implications of quasar abundance research.

10 pages, 5 figures in 6 files, invited review for the conference "The Central Engines of AGN," Xi'an, China, October 2006. ASP Conference Series, in press