ABSTRACT. We analyze new deep g- and i-band imaging of 16 QSOs in the redshift range 0.9-1.3 with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. The principal points of interest are the symmetry and signs of tidal effects in the QSO hosts and nearby (companion) galaxies. The sample measures are compared with similar measures on randomly selected field galaxy samples. Asymmetry measures are made for all objects to g ~ 22, and magnitudes of all galaxies 2 mag fainter. The QSOs are found in denser environments than the field, and are somewhat offset from the centroid of their surrounding galaxies. The QSO hosts appear more disturbed than other galaxies. While the QSO companions and field galaxies have the same average asymmetry, the distribution of asymmetry values is different. QSO companions within 15'' are fainter than average field galaxies. We discuss scenarios that are consistent with these and other measured quantities.

Key words: galaxies: evolution; galaxies: interactions; quasars: general

^* Based on observations obtained with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, which is operated by CNRS of France, NRC of Canada, and the University of Hawaii.

Print publication: Issue 3 (2009 March)
Received 2008 August 7, accepted for publication 2008 December 21
Published 2009 February 17