JWST CAPERS: Spectroscopic evaluation of very high redshift galaxy candidates
The study evaluated methods for selecting very high-redshift galaxy candidates ($z ext{ } ext{ } ext{ } > 8.5$) using JWST/NIRCam data from the CAPERS program. While signal-to-noise ratios and Lyman-$ ext{ m }α$ break strength were tested, using a UV Luminosity Function (LF) prior on the redshift distribution proved most effective, boosting selection success from about 35% to 77%. Spectroscopic confirmation yielded 48 sources at $z ext{ } ext{ } > 8.5$, with the highest confirmed source reaching $z_{ ext{spec}} = 12.98$.