The Evolution of the Rest-frame V-band Luminosity Function from z=4: A
  Constant Faint-end Slope over the Last 12 Gyr of Cosmic History
  We present the rest-frame V-band luminosity function (LF) of galaxies at
0.4<z<4.0, measured from a near-infrared selected sample constructed from the
NMBS, the FIRES, the FIREWORKS, and the ultra-deep NICMOS and WFC3 observations
in the HDFN, HUDF, and GOODS-CDFS, all having high-quality optical to
mid-infrared data. This unique sample combines data from surveys with a large
range of depths and areas in a self-consistent way, allowing us to (1) minimize
the uncertainties due to cosmic variance; and (2) simultaneously constrain the
bright and faint ends with unprecedented accuracy over the targeted redshift
range, probing the LF down to 0.1 L* at z~3.9. We find that (1) the faint end
is fairly flat and with a constant slope from z=4, with alpha= -1.27 +/- 0.05;
(2) the characteristic magnitude has dimmed by 1.3 mag from z~3.7 to z=0.1; (3)
the characteristic density has increased by a factor of ~8 from z~3.7 to z=0.1,
with 50% of this increase from z~4 to z~1.8; and (4) the luminosity density
peaks at z~1-1.5, increasing by a factor of ~4 from z=4.0 to z~1-1.5, and
subsequently decreasing by a factor of ~1.5 by z=0.1. We find no evidence for a
steepening of the faint-end slope with redshift out to z=4, in contrast with
previous observational claims and theoretical predictions. The constant
faint-end slope suggests that the efficiency of stellar feedback may evolve
with redshift. Alternative interpretations are discussed, such as different
masses of the halos hosting faint galaxies at low and high redshifts and/or
environmental effects.
