Active Galactic Nucleus Photoionization Research Articles

Cosmic metallicity evolution of Active Galactic Nuclei: implications for optical diagnostic diagrams

ABSTRACT We analyse the validity of optical diagnostic diagrams relying on emission-lines ratios and in the context of classifying Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) according to the cosmic metallicity evolution in the redshift range $0 \le z \le 11.2$. In this regard, we fit the results of chemical evolution models (CEMs) to the radial gradients of the N/O abundances ratio derived through direct estimates of electron temperatures (Te-method) in a sample of four local spiral galaxies. This approach allows us to select representative CEMs and extrapolate the radial gradients to the nuclear regions of the galaxies in our sample, inferring in this way the central N/O and O/H abundances. The nuclear abundance predictions for theoretical galaxies from the selected CEMs, at distinct evolutionary stages, are used as input parameters in AGN photoionization models built with the Cloudy code. We found that standard BPT diagnostic diagrams are able to classify AGNs with oxygen abundances $\rm 12+\log (O/H) \gtrsim 8.0$ [$(Z/Z_{\odot }) \gtrsim 0.2$] at redshift $z \lesssim 4$. On the other hand, the He iiλ4685/Hβ versus [N ii]λ6584/Hα diagram produces a reliable AGN classification independent of the evolutionary stage of these objects.

Unraveling the Complex Structure of AGN-driven Outflows. VI. Strong Ionized Outflows in Type 1 AGNs and the Outflow Size–Luminosity Relation

We present spatially resolved gas kinematics, ionization, and energetics of 11 type 1 and 5 type 2 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with strong ionized gas outflows at z <0.3 using Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph Integral Field Unit data. We find a strongly blueshifted region in [O iii] velocity maps, representing an approaching cone in biconical outflows, and blueshifted and redshifted regions in Hα velocity maps, which show gravitationally rotating kinematics. AGN photoionization is dominant in the central region of most targets, and some of them also show ring-like structures of LINER or composite that surround the AGN-dominated center. Following our previous studies, we kinematically determine outflow sizes by the ratio between [O iii] and stellar velocity dispersion. Outflow sizes of type 1 AGNs follow the same kinematic outflow size–[O iii] luminosity relation obtained from the type 2 Integral Field Unit sample in Kang & Woo and Luo (updated slope 0.29 ± 0.04), while they are limited to the central kiloparsec scales, indicating the lack of global impact of outflows on the interstellar medium. Small mass outflow rates and large star formation rates of the combined sample support that there is no evidence of rapid star formation quenching by outflows, which is consistent with the delayed AGN feedback.

The Kiloparsec-scale Influence of the AGN in NGC 1068 with SALT RSS Fabry–Pérot Spectroscopy* *Based on observations made with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).

We present Fabry–Pérot (FP) imaging and longslit spectroscopy of the nearby Seyfert II galaxy NGC 1068 using the Robert Stobie Spectrograph (RSS) on the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) to observe the impact of the central active galactic nucleus (AGN) on the ionized gas in the galaxy on kiloparsec scales. With SALT RSS FP we are able to observe the Hα + [N ii] emission line complex over a ∼2.6 arcmin2 field of view. Combined with the longslit observation, we demonstrate the efficacy of FP spectroscopy for studying nearby Type II Seyfert galaxies and investigate the kiloparsec-scale ionized gas in NGC 1068. We confirm the results of previous work from the TYPHOON/Progressive Integral Step Method survey that the kiloparsec-scale ionized features in NGC 1068 are driven by AGN photoionization. We analyze the spatial variation of the AGN intensity to put forward an explanation for the shape and structure of the kiloparsec-scale ionization features. Using a toy model, we suggest the ionization features may be understood as a light echo from a burst of enhanced AGN activity ∼2000 yr ago.

Optical and mid-infrared line emission in nearby Seyfert galaxies

Line ratio diagnostics provide valuable clues as to the source of ionizing radiation in galaxies with intense black hole accretion and starbursting events, such as local Seyfert galaxies or galaxies at the peak of their star formation history. We aim to provide a reference joint optical and mid-IR line ratio analysis for studying active galactic nucleus (AGN) identification via line-ratio diagnostics and testing predictions from photoionization models. We first obtained homogenous optical spectra with the Southern Africa Large Telescope for 42 Seyfert galaxies with available Spitzer/IRS spectroscopy, along with X-ray to mid-IR multiband data. After confirming the power of the main optical ([O III]λ5007) and mid-IR ([Ne V]14.3 μm, [O IV]25.9 μm, [Ne III]15.7 μm) emission lines in tracing AGN activity, we explored diagrams based on ratios of optical and mid-IR lines by exploiting photoionization models of different ionizing sources (AGN, star formation, and shocks). We find that pure AGN photoionization models are good at reproducing observations of Seyfert galaxies with an AGN fractional contribution to the mid-IR (5 − 40 μm) continuum emission larger than 50 per cent. For targets with a lower AGN contribution, even assuming a hard ionizing field from the central accretion disk (Fν ∝ να, with α ≈ −0.9), these same models do not fully reproduce the observed mid-IR line ratios. Mid-IR line ratios such as [Ne V]14.3 μm/[Ne II]12.8 μm, [O IV]25.9 μm/[Ne II]12.8 μm, and [Ne III]15.7 μm/[Ne II]12.8 μm show a dependence on the AGN fractional contribution to the mid-IR, unlike optical line ratios. An additional source of ionization, either from star formation or radiative shocks, can help explain the observations in the mid-IR. While mid-IR line ratios are good tracers of the AGN activity versus star formation, among the combinations of optical and mid-IR diagnostics in line-ratio diagrams, only those involving the [O I]/Hα ratio are promising diagnostics for simultaneously unraveling the relative roles of AGN, star formation, and shocks. A proper identification of the dominant source of ionizing photons would require the exploitation of analysis tools based on advanced statistical techniques as well as spatially resolved data.

Spectroscopy of an extreme [O iii] emitting active galactic nucleus at z = 3.212: implications for the reionization era

ABSTRACT Reionization-era galaxies often display intense nebular emission lines, both in rest-frame optical ([O iii] + H β) and ultraviolet (UV; C iii], C iv). How such strong nebular emission is powered remains unclear, with both active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and hot stars considered equally viable. The UV continuum slopes of these early systems tend to be very blue (β &amp;lt; −2), reflecting minimal dust obscuration, young ages, and low metallicities. This contrasts with narrow-lined AGNs at $z$ ∼ 2−3, whose UV slopes are significantly redder (β &amp;gt; −1) than typical star-forming systems in the reionization era. To investigate the properties of AGNs in the reionization era, we have conducted a search for potential examples of rare analogues with blue continua at intermediate redshift ($z$ ∼ 2−3). Our goals are to determine whether AGNs with intense line emission and blue continua exist and thereby to establish the range of rest-frame UV and optical line ratios in this population. In this paper, we report the detection of an X-ray luminous AGN at $z$ = 3.21 (UDS-24561) with extreme [O iii] + H β line emission (equivalent width = 1300 Å) and a blue UV continuum slope (β = −2.34). MMT/Binospec and Keck/MOSFIRE spectra indicate rest-frame UV line ratios consistent with AGN photoionization models and rest-frame optical lines with both a narrow component [full width at half-maximum (FWHM) $=154\, {\rm km\, s}^{-1}$] and extended broad wings (FWHM $=977\, {\rm km\, s}^{-1}$), consistent with outflowing gas. We describe how such objects can be identified in future James Webb Space Telescope emission line surveys in the reionization era, thereby providing a valuable census of AGN activity at $z$ &amp;gt; 6 and understanding their contribution to cosmic reionization.

The Physics of the Coronal-line Region for Galaxies in Mapping Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory

Abstract The fundamental nature and extent of the coronal-line region (CLR), which may serve as a vital tracer for active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity, remain unresolved. Previous studies suggest that the CLR is produced by AGN-driven outflows and occupies a distinct region between the broad-line region and the narrow-line region, which places it tens to hundreds of parsecs from the galactic center. Here, we investigate 10 coronal line (CL; ionization potential ≳100 eV) emitting galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV Mapping Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) catalog with emission from one or more CLs detected at ≥5σ above the continuum in at least 10 spaxels—the largest such MaNGA catalog. We find that the CLR is far more extended, reaching out to 1.3–23 kpc from the galactic center. We crossmatch our sample of 10 CL galaxies with the largest existing MaNGA AGN catalog and identify seven in it; two of the remaining three are galaxy mergers and the final one is an AGN candidate. Further, we measure the average CLR electron temperatures as ranging between 12,331 and 22,530 K, slightly above the typical threshold for pure AGN photoionization (∼20,000 K) and indicative of shocks (e.g., merger induced or from supernova remnants) in the CLR. We reason that ionizing photons emitted by the central continuum source (i.e., AGN photoionization) primarily generate the CLs, and that energetic shocks are an additional ionization mechanism that likely produce the most extended CLRs we measure.

KCWI Observations of the Extended Nebulae in Mrk 273

Abstract Ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) represent a critical stage in the merger-driven evolution of galaxies when active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity is common and AGN feedback is expected. We present high-sensitivity and large field-of-view integral field spectroscopy of the ULIRG Mrk 273 using new data from the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KWCI). The KCWI data capture the complex nuclear region and the two extended nebulae in the northeast (NE) and southwest (SW) to ∼20 kpc scales. Kinematics in the nuclear region show a fast, extended, bipolar outflow in the direction of the previously reported nuclear superbubbles spanning ∼5 kpc, two to three times greater than the previously reported size. The larger-scale extended nebulae on ∼20 kpc show fairly uniform kinematics with FWHM ∼ 300 km s−1 in the SW nebula and FWHM ∼ 120 km s−1 in the NE nebula. We detect for the first time high-ionization [Ne v] 3426, [O iii] 4363, and He ii 4684 emission lines in the extended NE nebula. Emission line ratios in the nuclear region correlate with the kinematic structures, with the bipolar outflow and the less collimated “outflow regions” showing distinct line ratio trends. Line ratio diagnostics of high-ionization emission lines reveal a nontrivial contribution from shock plus precursor ionization in the NE nebula and the nuclear region mixed with AGN photoionization. These data are highly constraining for models of cool ionized gas existing 20 kpc from a galactic nucleus.

Chemical abundance of the LINER galaxy UGC 4805 with SDSS-IV MaNGA

ABSTRACT Chemical abundance determinations in Low-Ionization Nuclear Emission-line Regions (LINERs) are especially complex and uncertain because the nature of the ionizing source of this kind of object is unknown. In this work, we study the oxygen abundance in relation to the hydrogen abundance (O/H) of the gas phase of the UGC 4805 LINER nucleus. Optical spectroscopic data from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies survey was employed to derive the O/H abundance of the UGC 4805 nucleus based on the extrapolation of the disc abundance gradient, on calibrations between O/H abundance and strong emission-lines for active galactic nuclei (AGNs) as well as on photoionization models built with the Cloudy code, assuming gas accretion into a black hole (AGN) and post-asymptotic giant branch (p-AGB) stars with different effective temperatures. We found that abundance gradient extrapolations, AGN calibrations, AGN, and p-AGB photoionization models produce similar O/H values for the UGC 4805 nucleus and similar ionization parameter values. The study demonstrated that the methods used to estimate the O/H abundance using nuclear emission-line ratios produce reliable results, which are in agreement with the O/H values obtained from the independent method of galactic metallicity gradient extrapolation. Finally, the results from the WHAN diagram combined with the fact that the high excitation level of the gas has to be maintained at kpc scales, we suggest that the main ionizing source of the UGC 4805 nucleus probably has a stellar origin rather than an AGN.

A possible sub-kiloparsec dual AGN buried behind the galaxy curtain

Although thousands of galaxy mergers are known, only a handful of sub-kiloparsec-scale supermassive black hole (SMBH) pairs have been confirmed so far, leaving a huge gap between the observed and predicted numbers of such objects. In this work, we present a detailed analysis of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey optical spectrum and of near-infrared (NIR) diffraction limited imaging of SDSS J1431+4358. This object is a local radio-quiet type 2 active galactic nucleus (AGN) previously selected as a double AGN candidate on the basis of the double-peaked [OIII] emission line. The NIR adaptive optics-assisted observations were obtained at the Large Binocular Telescope with the LUCI+FLAO camera. We found that most of the prominent optical emission lines are characterized by a double-peaked profile, mainly produced by AGN photoionization. Our spectroscopical analysis disfavors the hypothesis that the double-peaked emission lines in the source are the signatures of outflow kinematics, leaving open the possibility that we are detecting either the rotation of a single narrow-line region or the presence of two SMBHs orbiting around a common central potential. The latter scenario is further supported by the high-spatial resolution NIR imaging: after subtracting the dominant contribution of the stellar bulge component in the host galaxy, we detect two faint nuclear sources at r &lt; 0.5 kpc projected separation. Interestingly, the two sources have a position angle consistent with that defined by the two regions where the [OIII] double peaks most likely originate. Aside from the discovery of a promising sub-kiloparsec scale dual AGN, our analysis shows the importance of an appropriate host galaxy subtraction in order to achieve a reliable estimate of the incidence of dual AGNs at small projected separations.

UGMRT detection of associated H i 21-cm absorption at z ≈ 3.5

ABSTRACT We report a uGMRT (upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope) detection of H i 21-cm absorption associated with the radio source 8C 0604+728, at z = 3.52965. The source is at the highest redshift at which associated H i 21-cm absorption has been discovered to date, surpassing earlier known absorber at z ≈ 3.39. We estimate ultraviolet luminosities of $\rm (3.2 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{23}$ and $\rm (6.2 \pm 0.2)\times 10^{23}~W~Hz^{-1}$, and ionizing photon rates of $\rm (1.8 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{56}$ and $\rm (5.0 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{56}~s^{-1}$, using data at different epochs; the source shows year-scale variability in both its luminosity and photon rate. The luminosity and photon rate at later epochs are ≈6.2 and ≈1.7 times higher than thresholds suggested in the literature above which all the neutral hydrogen in the active galactic nucleus (AGN) host galaxy is expected to be ionized. The detection demonstrates that neutral hydrogen can survive in the host galaxies of AGNs with high ultraviolet luminosities. We estimate a high equivalent width ratio of 15.2 for the Lyman-α (Ly α) and He ii emission lines detected in the optical spectrum, which is consistent with AGN photoionization models. However, a significant contribution from young stellar populations to the excess Ly α flux cannot be ruled out.

On the AGN Nature of Two UV-bright Sources at zspec ∼ 5.5 in the CANDELS Fields: An Update on the AGN Space Density at M1450 ∼ −22.5

Abstract It is widespread opinion that hydrogen reionization is mainly driven by primeval star-forming galaxies, with high-z active galactic nuclei (AGNs) having a minor role. Recent observations, however, challenge this notion, indicating a number of issues related to a galaxy-driven reionization scenario. We provide here an updated assessment of the space density of relatively faint (M 1450 ∼ −22.5) AGNs at z spec ∼ 5.5 in order to improve the estimate of the photoionization rate contribution from accreting supermassive black holes. Exploiting deep UV rest-frame ground-based spectra collected at the Very Large Telescope on the CANDELS/GOODS-South field and deep Chandra X-ray images in the CANDELS/GOODS-North and EGS areas, we find two relatively bright (M 1450 ∼ −22.5) AGNs at z spec ∼ 5.5. We derive an AGN space density of Φ = 1.29 × 10−6 cMpc−3 at z ∼ 5.5 and M 1450 ∼ −22.5 by simply dividing their observed number by the cosmological volume in the range 5.0 &lt; z &lt; 6.1. Our estimate does not consider corrections for incompleteness; therefore, it represents a lower limit, although uncertainties due to cosmic variance can still be significant. This value supports a high space density of AGNs at z &gt; 5, in contrast with previous claims mostly based on standard color selection, possibly affected by significant incompleteness. Our estimate for the AGN photoionization rate at z ∼ 5.5 is in agreement with the observed values at similar redshifts, which are needed to keep the intergalactic medium highly ionized. Upcoming James Webb Space Telescope and giant ground-based telescopes observations will improve the study of high-z AGNs and their contribution to the reionization of the universe.

Discovery of a giant and luminous Lyα+C IV+He II nebula at z = 3.326 with extreme emission line ratios

We present the discovery of HLock01-LAB, a luminous and large Lyα nebula at z = 3.326. Medium-band imaging and long-slit spectroscopic observations with the Gran Telescopio Canarias reveal extended emission in the Lyα 1215 Å, C IV 1550 Å, and He II 1640 Å lines over ∼100 kpc, and a total luminosity LLyα = (6.4 ± 0.1)×1044 erg s−1. HLock01-LAB presents an elongated morphology aligned with two faint radio sources contained within the central ∼8 kpc of the nebula. The radio structures are consistent with faint radio jets or lobes of a central galaxy, whose spectrum shows nebular emission characteristic of a type-II active galactic nucleus (AGN). The continuum emission of the AGN at short wavelengths is however likely dominated by stellar emission of the host galaxy, for which we derive a stellar mass M* ≃ 2.3 × 1011 M⊙. Our kinematic analysis shows that the ionized gas is perturbed almost exclusively in the inner region between the radio structures, probably as a consequence of jet–gas interactions, whereas in the outer regions the ionized gas appears more quiescent. The detection of extended emission in C IV and C III] indicates that the gas within the nebula is not primordial. Feedback may have enriched the halo at at least 50 kpc from the nuclear region. Using rest-frame UV emission-line diagnostics, we find that the gas in the nebula is likely heated by the AGN. Nevertheless, at the center of the nebula we find extreme emission line ratios of Lyα/C IV ∼60 and Lyα/He II ∼80, one of the highest values measured to date, and well above the standard values of photoionization models (Lyα/He II ∼30 for case B photoionization). Our data suggest that jet-induced shocks are likely responsible for the increase of the electron temperature and, thus, the observed Lyα enhancement in the center of the nebula. This scenario is further supported by the presence of radio structures and perturbed kinematics in this region. The large Lyα luminosity in HLock01-LAB is likely due to a combination of AGN photoionization and jet-induced shocks, highlighting the diversity of sources of energy powering Lyα nebulae. Future follow-up observations of HLock01-LAB will help to reveal the finer details of the excitation conditions of the gas induced by jets and to investigate the underlying cooling and feedback processes in this unique object.

A Curved 150 pc Long Jet in the Double-peaked Emission-line AGN KISSR 434

Abstract Double-peaked emission lines in the narrow- and/or broad-line spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have been suggested to arise as a result of disky broad/narrow-line regions, jet–medium interaction, or the presence of binary supermassive black holes. We present the results from 1.5 and 4.9 GHz phase-referenced very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the Seyfert type 2 galaxy KISSR 434, which exhibits double-peaked emission lines in its optical spectrum. We detect a steep-spectrum (α &lt; −1), curved and long (∼150 pc) jet in the VLBI images of KISSR 434. The jet curvature could be a result of precession rather than ram pressure bending from a rotating interstellar medium. Precession could in turn arise as a result of a warped accretion disk or the presence of a binary black hole with a separation of 0.015 pc, not accessible to present-day telescopes. An examination of the emission-line ratios with the MAPPINGS III code reveals that AGN photoionization is likely to be responsible for the observed line ratios and not shock ionization due to the jet. A light (with jet-to-ambient medium density ratio of η ∼ 0.01) and fast (with speed ) precessing jet in KISSR 434 may have stirred up the emission-line gas clouds to produce the observed splits in the narrow-line peaks but is not powerful enough to shock-ionize the gas.

Imaging extended emission-line regions of obscured AGN with the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam Survey

Narrow-line regions excited by active galactic nuclei (AGN) are important for studying AGN photoionization and feedback. Their strong [O III] lines can be detected with broadband images, allowing morphological studies of these systems with large-area imaging surveys. We develop a new technique to reconstruct the [O III] images using the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) Survey aided with spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The technique involves a careful subtraction of the galactic continuum to isolate emission from the [O III]$\lambda$5007 and [O III]$\lambda$4959 lines. Compared to traditional targeted observations, this technique is more efficient at covering larger samples with less dedicated observational resources. We apply this technique to an SDSS spectroscopically selected sample of 300 obscured AGN at redshifts 0.1 - 0.7, uncovering extended emission-line region candidates with sizes up to tens of kpc. With the largest sample of uniformly derived narrow-line region sizes, we revisit the narrow-line region size-luminosity relation. The area and radii of the [O III] emission-line regions are strongly correlated with the AGN luminosity inferred from the mid-infrared (15 $\mu$m rest-frame) with a power-law slope of $0.62^{+0.05}_{-0.06} \pm 0.10$ (statistical and systemic errors), consistent with previous spectroscopic findings. We discuss the implications for the physics of AGN emission-line region and future applications of this technique, which should be useful for current and next-generation imaging surveys to study AGN photoionization and feedback with large statistical samples.

UNRAVELLING THE COMPLEX STRUCTURE OF AGN-DRIVEN OUTFLOWS. II. PHOTOIONIZATION AND ENERGETICS

ABSTRACT Outflows have been shown to be prevalent in galaxies hosting luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs); they present a physically plausible way to couple the AGN energy output with the interstellar medium of their hosts. Despite their prevalence, accurate characterization of these outflows has been challenging. In the second of a series of papers, we use Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph integral field unit (IFU) data of six local (z &lt; 0.1) and moderate-luminosity Type 2 AGNs to study the ionization properties and energetics of AGN-driven outflows. We find strong evidence connecting the extreme kinematics of the ionized gas to the AGN photoionization. The kinematic component related to the AGN-driven outflow is clearly separated from other kinematic components, such as virial motions or rotation, on the velocity and velocity dispersion diagram. Our spatially resolved kinematic analysis reveals that 30 to 90% of the total mass and kinetic energy of the outflow is contained within the central kpc of the galaxy. The spatially integrated mass and kinetic energy of the gas entrained in the outflow correlate well with the AGN bolometric luminosity and results in energy conversion efficiencies between 0.01% and 1%. Intriguingly, we detect ubiquitous signs of ongoing circumnuclear star formation. Their small size, the centrally contained mass and energy, and the universally detected circumnuclear star formation cast doubts on the potency of these AGN-driven outflows as agents of galaxy-scale negative feedback.

THE NATURE OF ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI WITH VELOCITY OFFSET EMISSION LINES*

ABSTRACT We obtained Keck/OSIRIS near-IR adaptive optics-assisted integral-field spectroscopy to probe the morphology and kinematics of the ionized gas in four velocity-offset active galactic nuclei (AGNs) from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. These objects possess optical emission lines that are offset in velocity from systemic as measured from stellar absorption features. At a resolution of ∼0.″18, OSIRIS allows us to distinguish which velocity offset emission lines are produced by the motion of an AGN in a dual supermassive black hole system, and which are produced by outflows or other kinematic structures. In three galaxies, J1018+2941, J1055+1520, and J1346+5228, the spectral offset of the emission lines is caused by AGN-driven outflows. In the remaining galaxy, J1117+6140, a counterrotating nuclear disk is observed that contains the peak of Paα emission 0.″2 from the center of the galaxy. The most plausible explanation for the origin of this spatially and kinematically offset peak is that it is a region of enhanced Paα emission located at the intersection zone between the nuclear disk and the bar of the galaxy. In all four objects, the peak of ionized gas emission is not spatially coincident with the center of the galaxy as traced by the peak of the near-IR continuum emission. The peaks of ionized gas emission are spatially offset from the galaxy centers by 0.″1–0.″4 (0.1–0.7 kpc). We find that the velocity offset originates at the location of this peak of emission, and the value of the offset can be directly measured in the velocity maps. The emission-line ratios of these four velocity-offset AGNs can be reproduced only with a mixture of shocks and AGN photoionization. Shocks provide a natural explanation for the origin of the spatially and spectrally offset peaks of ionized gas emission in these galaxies.

Starburst–AGN mixing – II. Optically selected active galaxies

We use 4 galaxies from the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area (CALIFA) survey with clear signs of accretion onto supermassive black holes to investigate the relative contribution of star-formation and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity to the line-emission of each galaxy as a function of radius. The combination of star-formation and AGN activity produces curved "mixing sequences" on standard optical diagnostic diagrams, and the fraction of emission due to AGN activity decreases smoothly with distance from the centre of the galaxy. We use the AGN activity profiles to calculate the size of the AGN narrow line regions, which have radii of ~ 6.3 kpc. We calculate the fractional contribution of the star-formation and the AGN activity to the global Halpha, [O II] $\lambda \lambda$ 3727,3729 and [O III] $\lambda$ 5007 luminosities of each galaxy, and show that both ionization sources contribute significantly to the emission in all three lines. We use weighted combinations of stellar and AGN photoionization models to produce mixing models, which are consistent with observations for 85 percent of spaxels across the galaxies in our sample. We also present a new diagnostic for starburst-AGN mixing which requires only the [O II], [O III] and Hbeta emission lines, and can therefore be used to calculate AGN fractions up to z ~ 0.85 in the optical and z ~ 3.5 in the near-infrared. We anticipate that this diagnostic will facilitate studies of the properties of AGN ionizing radiation fields and the relative optical contribution of star-formation and AGN activity over cosmic time.

SPITZERMID-IR SPECTROSCOPY OF POWERFUL 2Jy AND 3CRR RADIO GALAXIES. II. AGN POWER INDICATORS AND UNIFICATION

It remains uncertain which continuum and emission line diagnostics best indicate the bolometric powers of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), especially given the attenuation caused by the circumnuclear material and the possible contamination by components related to star formation. Here we use mid-IR spectra along with multiwavelength data to investigate the merit of various diagnostics of AGN radiative power, including the mid-IR [Ne III] lambda25.89 mum and [O IV] lambda25.89 mum fine-structure lines, the optical [O III] lambda5007 forbidden line, and mid-IR 24 mum, 5 GHz radio, and X-ray continuum emission, for complete samples of 46 2Jy radio galaxies (0.05 < z < 0.7) and 17 3CRR FRII radio galaxies (z < 0.1). We find that the mid-IR [O IV] line is the most reliable indicator of AGN power for powerful radio-loud AGNs. By assuming that the [O IV] is emitted isotropically, and comparing the [O III] and 24 mum luminosities of the broad- and narrow-line AGNs in our samples at fixed [O IV] luminosity, we show that the [O III] and 24 mum emission are both mildly attenuated in the narrow-line compared to the broad-line objects by a factor of #2. However, despite this attenuation, the [O III] and 24 mum luminosities are better AGN power indicators for our sample than either the 5 GHz radio or the X-ray continuum luminosities. We also detect the mid-IR 9.7 mum silicate feature in the spectra of many objects but not ubiquitously: at least 40% of the sample shows no clear evidence for these features. We conclude that, for the majority of powerful radio galaxies, the mid-IR lines are powered by AGN photoionization.

EXTENDED NARROW-LINE EMISSION IN THE BRIGHT SEYFERT 1.5 GALAXY HE 2211-3903

Extended narrow-line regions (ENLRs) and extended emission-line regions (EELRs) have been the focus of integral field spectroscopy aiming at the inner kiloparsecs of nearby Seyfert galaxies as well as the larger environment of high redshift QSOs. Based on observations with the Wide Field Spectrograph WiFeS at the 2.3 m telescope of the Australian National University, we present spatially resolved emission-line diagnostics of the bright Seyfert 1.5 galaxy HE 2211-3903 which is drawn from a sample of the brightest Seyfert galaxies at z<0.06 with luminosities around the classical Seyfert/QSO demarcation. In addition to the previously known spiral arms of HE 2211-3903, the emission-line maps reveal a large scale ring with a radius of about 6 kpc which is connected to the active galactic nucleus (AGN) through a bar-like structure. The overall gas kinematics indicates a disk rotation pattern. The emission-line ratios show Seyfert-type, HII region-type, and composite classifications, while there is no strong evidence of LINER-type ratios. Shock ionization is likely to be negligible throughout the galaxy. The composite line ratios are explained via a mixing line between AGN and HII region photoionization. Composite line ratios are predominantly found in between the HII regions in the circum-nuclear region, the bar-like structure to the east of the nucleus, and the eastern half of the ring, suggesting AGN photoionization of the low-density interstellar medium in an ENLR on galaxy scales. The line ratios in the nucleus indicate N-enrichment, which is discussed in terms of chemical enrichment by Wolf-Rayet and Asymptotic Giant Branch stars during past and ongoing nuclear starburst activity.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTEGRAL FIELD OBSERVATIONS OF 10 GALACTIC WINDS. I. EXTENDED PHASE (≳10 Myr) OF MASS/ENERGY INJECTION BEFORE THE WIND BLOWS

We present 3D spectroscopic observations of a sample of 10 nearby galaxies with the AAOmega-SPIRAL integral field spectrograph on the 3.9m AAT, the largest survey of its kind to date. The double-beam spectrograph provides spatial maps in a range of spectral diagnostics: [OIII] 5007, H-beta, Mg-b, NaD, [OI] 6300, H-alpha, [NII] 6583, [SII] 6717, 6731. All of the objects in our survey show extensive wind-driven filamentation along the minor axis, in addition to large-scale disk rotation. Our sample can be divided into either starburst galaxies or active galactic nuclei (AGN), although some objects appear to be a combination of these. The total ionizing photon budget available to both classes of galaxies is sufficient to ionise all of the wind-blown filamentation out to large radius. We find however that while AGN photoionisation always dominates in the wind filaments, this is not the case in starburst galaxies where shock ionisation dominates. This clearly indicates that after the onset of star formation, there is a substantial delay (> 10 Myr) before a starburst wind develops. We show why this behavior is expected by deriving ``ionisation'' and dynamical timescales for both AGNs and starbursts. We establish a sequence of events that lead to the onset of a galactic wind. The clear signature provided by the ionisation timescale is arguably the strongest evidence yet that the starburst phenomenon is an impulsive event. A well-defined ionisation timescale is not expected in galaxies with a protracted history of circumnuclear star formation. Our 3D data provide important templates for comparisons with high redshift galaxies.[Abridged]