Forecasting [C II] Line-intensity Mapping Measurements between the End of Reionization and the Epoch of Galaxy Assembly

We combine recent simulation work on the SFR-[C II] correlation at high redshift with empirical modeling of the galaxy-halo connection (via UniverseMachine) to forecast [C II] auto power spectra from z ∼ 4 to z ∼ 8. We compare these to sensitivities realistically expected from various instruments expected to come online in the next decade. If the predictions of our model are correct, [C II] should be detectable up to z ∼ 6 in this generation of surveys, but detecting [C II] past the end of reionization will require a generational leap in line-intensity survey capabilities.