Constraining the volume density of Dusty Star-Forming Galaxies through
  the first 3mm Number Counts from ALMA
  We carry out a blind search of 3mm continuum sources using the ALMA Science
Archive to derive the first galaxy number counts at this wavelength. The
analyzed data are drawn from observations towards three extragalactic legacy
fields: COSMOS, CDF-S, and the UDS comprising more than 130 individual ALMA
Band 3 pointings and an effective survey area of ~200 sq. arcmin with a
continuum sensitivity that allows for the direct detection of unlensed Dusty
Star-Forming Galaxies (DSFGs) dust emission beyond the epoch of reionization.
We present a catalog of 16 sources detected at >5sigma with flux densities
S_3mm = 60 - 600 uJy from which number counts are derived. These number counts
are then used to place constraints on the volume density of DSFGs with an
empirical backward evolution model. Our measured 3mm number counts indicate
that the contribution of DSFGs to the cosmic star formation rate density at z
>~ 4 is non-negligible. This is contrary to the generally adopted assumption of
a sharply decreasing contribution of obscured galaxies at z > 4 as inferred by
optical and near-infrared surveys. This work demonstrates the power of ALMA 3mm
observations which can reach outstanding continuum sensitivities during typical
spectral line science programs. Further constraints on 3mm-selected galaxies
will be essential to refine models of galaxy formation and evolution as well as
models of early Universe dust production mechanisms.
