We derive the evolution of the infrared luminosity function (LF) over the last 4/5ths of cosmic time using deep 24um and 70um imaging of the GOODS North and South fields. We perform a stacking analysis to characterize the observed L_24_/(1+z) vs L_70_/(1+z) correlation. Then, using spectral energy distribution templates which best fit this correlation, we derive the infrared luminosity of individual sources from their 24um and 70um luminosities. We then compute the infrared LF at z=1.55+/-0.25 and z=2.05+/-0.25. The redshift evolution of the infrared LF from z=1.5 to z=2 is consistent with a luminosity evolution proportional to (1+z)^1.0+/-0.9^ combined with a density evolution proportional to (1+z)^-1.1+/-1.5^. At z=2, LIRGs are still the main contributors, at 49%, to the total comoving infrared luminosity density of the Universe while ULIRGs account for 17%.

Cone search capability for table J/A+A/528/A35/mips (24 and 70{mu}m photometry of sources in GOODS-North and South (tables 1--4 of paper))