An X-ray Study of the Most Distant Quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We propose to begin a systematic Xray study of the highest redshift quasars found by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Here we propose observationsof the three highest redshift quasars found by the SDSS to date (z4.95.0). SDSS quasars are selected in a uniform and highly effective manner, and they are ideal for defining the basic Xray properties of the youngest known quasars. The observations will constrain the Xray luminosity function of the highest redshift quasars and will identify any objects bright enough for Xray spectroscopy. We intend to expand this investigation as additional SDSS quasars are found, with our ultimate goals being to determine the evolution of quasar Xray power sources and environments. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]