Can AGN feedback-driven star formation explain the size evolution of massive galaxies?. (arXiv:1302.4998v1 [astro-ph.GA])

Can AGN feedback-driven star formation explain the size evolution of massive galaxies?. (arXiv:1302.4998v1 [astro-ph.GA]):
Observations indicate that massive galaxies at z~2 are more compact than
galaxies of comparable mass at z~0, with effective radii evolving by a factor
of ~3-5. This implies that galaxies grow significantly in size but relatively
little in mass over the past ~10 Gyr. Two main physical models have been
proposed in order to explain the observed evolution of massive galaxies:
"mergers" and "puffing-up" scenarios. Here we introduce another possibility,
and discuss the potential role of the central active galactic nucleus (AGN)
feedback on the evolution of its host galaxy. We consider triggering of star
formation, due to AGN feedback, with radiation pressure on dusty gas as the
driving feedback mechanism. In this picture, stars are formed in the
feedback-driven outflow at increasingly larger radii and build up the outer
regions of the host galaxy. The resulting increase in size and stellar mass can
be compared with the observed growth of massive galaxies. Star formation in the
host galaxy is likely obscured due to dust extinction and reddening. We suggest
a number of observational predictions of our model, and discuss possible
implications for AGN feedback-driven star formation.