Low-Resolution Spectral Templates for Galaxies from 0.2 to 10 μm

We built an optimal basis of low-resolution templates for galaxies over the wavelength range from 0.2 to 10 μm using a variant of the algorithm presented by Budavari and coworkers. We derived them using 11 bands of photometry from the NDWFS, FLAMEX, zBoötes, and IRAC Shallow surveys for 16,033 galaxies in the NDWFS Boötes field with spectroscopic redshifts measured by the AGN and Galaxy Evolution Survey. We also developed algorithms to accurately determine photometric redshifts, K-corrections, and bolometric luminosities using these templates. Our photometric redshifts have an accuracy of σ_z/(1 + z) = 0.04 when clipped to the best 95%. We used these templates to study the spectral type distribution in the field and to estimate luminosity functions of galaxies as a function of redshift and spectral type. In particular, we note that the 5-8 μm color distribution of galaxies is bimodal, much like the optical g - r colors.