A Comprehensive Study of Galaxies at z ∼ 9–16 Found in the Early JWST Data: Ultraviolet Luminosity Functions and Cosmic Star Formation History at the Pre-reionization Epoch

We conduct a comprehensive study on dropout galaxy candidates at $z\sim9-16$ using the first 90 arcmin$^2$ JWST/NIRCam images taken by early release observations (ERO) and science (ERS) programs. With JWST simulation images, we find that number of foreground interlopers are selected with weak photo-$z$ determination ($\Delta\chi^2>4$). thus carefully apply secure selection criterion ($\Delta\chi^2>9$) conventional color criteria confirmations ERO NIRSpec spectroscopic redshifts, obtain total 23 galaxies $z\sim9-16$, including two $z_\mathrm{phot}=16.25_{-0.46}^{+0.24}$ $16.41_{-0.55}^{+0.66}$. perform thorough comparisons found in our work recent studies, conclude sample is reliable enough for statistical analyses. derive UV luminosity functions confirm $z\sim 9$ $12$ agree those determined other HST studies. The cosmic star-formation rate density decreases from $z\sim9$ to $12$, perhaps $16$, but densities $z\sim12-16$ higher than constant star formation efficiency model. Interestingly, there six bright $z\sim10-16$ $M_\mathrm{UV}<-19.5$ mag $M_*\sim10^{8-9} M_\odot$. Because majority ($\sim80$\%) these show no signatures AGNs their morphologies, high existence UV-luminous explained suppression background radiation pre-reionization epoch and/or an efficient production top-heavy IMF Population III-like formation.