An optically based search for distant galaxy clusters

We describe an automated, optically based search for distant galaxy clusters. The search covers 13 square degrees of deep I-band CCD data from which we present a catalogue of 105 candidates. Half of the candidates from this search are expected to be as rich as Abell richness class zero. These Abell-like clusters are expected to have a median redshift greater than z = 0.5. The other half are likely to be poorer clusters or chance overdensities. (C) 1996 American Astronomical Society.