Rest-frame UV spectra of star-forming galaxies:: From Z ∼ 3 to the redshift desert

We present the results of detailed studies of the astrophysical conditions in z similar to 3 Lyman Break Galaxies (LBGs), placing particular emphasis on what is learned from LBG rest frame UV spectra. By drawing from our database of similar to1000 spectra, and constructing higher S/N composite spectra from galaxies grouped according to various parameters, we can show how the rest-frame UV spectroscopic properties systematically depend on other galaxy properties. Such information is crucial to understanding the detailed nature of LBGs, and their impact on the surrounding IGM. We then turn to a new survey of UV-selected star-forming galaxies at z similar to 1.5 - 2.5, in the so-called "redshift desert." Adjusting the z similar to 3 LBG color criteria to find similar types of galaxies at z similar to 2, and using a UV-optimized spectroscopic set-up, we have assembled nearly 700 galaxies spectroscopically confirmed to lie in this virtually unexplored, yet critical, period in the history of the universe. Ongoing and future work will probe the detailed astrophysical conditions in z similar to 2 galaxies.