Model radiation spectrum for an accretion disk near a rotating black hole

Abstract

ASCA, RXTE, and Chandra observations of Seyfert galaxies indicate the presence in their spectra of broad emission lines with characteristic double-peaked pro files, which could arise in the inner regions of an accretion disk. In such regions, general relativistic effects must be taken into account, and may even dominate. In connection with this, we have constructed the radiation spectrum for an individual spectral line for a model isothermal Kerr accretion disk. This demonstrates the manifestation of general relativistic effects in pure form, unclouded by effects associated with models for the structure of the disk itself. It is assumed that matter in the disk moves in circular geodesics in the equatorial plane. The spectrum retains a characteristic two-peaked profile for wide ranges of values of the radial coordinate of the radiating region, angular momentum of the black hole, and viewing angle. The inner regions of the disk make an appreciable contribution to the red wing of the spectrum.