A MULTICOLOR CCD SURVEY FOR FAINT Z-GREATER-THAN-4 QUASARS

We describe survey techniques and initial results for a 0.69 deg(2) CC D multicolor survey for quasars at z>4. The original motivation for th e survey was to detect quasar clustering al high redshift in order to constrain theories of structure formation at early stages in the histo ry of the universe, Therefore, the majority of data reported here are centered on fields containing known z>4 quasars and a few are centered on blank control fields. We have selected a complete rigorously defin ed sample of 39 quasar candidates and have examined seven of these spe ctroscopically, confirming none as high-redshift quasars. However, we have surveyed enough area to constrain the z>4 quasar luminosity funct ion at M(B)<-24.0(m) and find that limiting quasar space densities sho w a decrease in the apparent number of objects from z=2, In the course of the survey, we were also able to recover three quasars at z>4 disc overed by Irwin, McMahon, & Hazard but not fully documented in the lit erature. These objects are reported here as well. Finally, we discuss the future prospects for detecting quasar clustering at high redshift using these survey techniques. (C) 1996 American Astronomical Society.