Hidden Broad-line Region Research Articles

On the Extend of Eddington Ratio and Accretion Rate in Seyfert 1 and Hidden Broad Line Region Seyfert 2 Galaxies

We present our result on the Eddington ratios and accretion rates of 13,516 Seyfert galaxies consisting of 6,758 Seyfert 1s and 6,758 Seyfert 2s. These objects under study are a sub-sample of 91,006 Seyfert galaxies from SDSS-DR14. Using the separation criterion > 3 for Seyfert 2 galaxies, the 91,006 objects are separated into Seyferts 1s and 2s and we further select Hidden broadline region (HBLR) Seyfert 2s. Our results show that Seyfert 1 galaxies have higher Eddington ratio that Seyfert 2s an indication that Seyfert 1 galaxies may be more AGN-dominated than Seyfert 2 galaxies. We find the mean luminosity of the doubly ionized oxygen line () to be higher in Seyfert 2 galaxies a pointer that narrow line regions (NLRs) in Seyfert 2s may contain higher density of cloud of particles than Seyfert 1s. In addition, () is found to increase with increasing Eddington ratio which shows that the NLR is likely to be illuminated by the central region; a precursor that the central region and the NRL should be few parsecs apart. The observation we make that Seyferts 1 and 2 of equal black hole mass (=) have diametrically unequal Eddington ratio of log=8.9638 for Seyfert 2s and log=5.801 for Seyfert 1s suggests that each of the Seyfert classes may have been associated with different AGN activities. On accretion rate, Seyfert 2 galaxies have higher accretion rate which implies that they are probably in the gravitational force era dominated by absorption by matter while Seyfert 1s are probably in the radiation force dominated era and as such not associated with absorption by matter.

On the Extent of the Existence of Broad Line Region in Seyfert Galaxies

We present statistical results from a very large sample of Seyfert galaxies (217,272 galaxies) obtained from SDSS DR10 (Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 10). From their observed parameters which includes; flux of hydrogen alpha (Hα), luminosity distance and velocity dispersion, we computed other relevant parameters such as; bolometric luminosity, black hole mass and mass accretion rate, which enabled us classify these Seyfert galaxies into Seyfert 1s (188,486 galaxies) and Seyfert 2s (28,786 galaxies). Analyses on these computed parameters revealed that Seyfert 2 galaxies were less luminous, more massive and accrete less matter than the Seyfert 1 galaxies. Further analysis on Seyfert 2s based on their mass accretion rate led to their classification into hidden broad line region (HBLR) Seyfert 2s (12,988 galaxies) and non-hidden broad line region (non-HBLR) Seyfert 2s (15,798 galaxies) which shows that, the HBLR S2s accrete more matter than the non-HBLR S2s. All the results obtained suggest that the bolometric luminosity alone is not sufficient in determining the extent of the existence of the BLR in Seyfert 2 galaxies rather the mass accretion rate should be taking into consideration in determining the appearance and disappearance of the BLR.

Upholding the unified model for active galactic nuclei: VLT/FORS2 spectropolarimetry of Seyfert 2 galaxies

The origin of the unification model for Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) was the detection of broad hydrogen recombination lines in the optical polarized spectrum of the Seyfert 2 galaxy (Sy2) NGC 1068. Since then, a search for the hidden broad-line region (HBLR) of nearby Sy2s started, but polarized broad lines have only been detected in 30-40% of the nearby Sy2s observed to date. Here we present new VLT/FORS2 optical spectropolarimetry of a sample of 15 Sy2s, including Compton-thin and Compton-thick sources. The sample includes six galaxies without previously published spectropolarimetry, some of them normally treated as non-hidden BLR (NHBLR) objects in the literature, four classified as NHBLR, and five as HBLR based on previous data. We report >=4{\sigma} detections of a HBLR in 11 of these galaxies (73% of the sample) and a tentative detection in NGC 5793, which is Compton-thick according to the analysis of X-ray data performed here. Our results confirm that at least some NHBLRs are misclassified, bringing previous publications reporting differences between HBLR and NHBLR objects into question. We detect broad H{\alpha} and H{\beta} components in polarized light for 10 targets, and just broad H{\alpha} for NGC 5793 and NGC 6300, with line widths ranging between 2100 and 9600 km/s. High bolometric luminosities and low column densities are associated with higher polarization degrees, but not necessarily with the detection of the scattered broad components.

THENuSTARVIEW OF REFLECTION AND ABSORPTION IN NGC 7582

NGC 7582 is a well-studied X-ray bright Seyfert 2 with moderately heavy ($N_{\text{H}}\sim10^{23}-10^{24}$~cm$^{-2}$), highly variable absorption and strong reflection spectral features. The spectral shape changed around the year 2000, dropping in observed flux and becoming much more highly absorbed. Two scenarios have been put forth to explain this spectral change: 1) the central X-ray source partially ``shut off'' around this time, decreasing in intrinsic luminosity, with a delayed decrease in reflection features due to the light-crossing time of the Compton-thick material or 2) the source became more heavily obscured, with only a portion of the power law continuum leaking through. NuSTAR observed NGC~7582 twice in 2012, two weeks apart, in order to quantify the reflection using high-quality data above 10 keV. We find that the most plausible scenario is that NGC 7582 has recently become more heavily absorbed by a patchy torus with a covering fraction of $\sim\,80-90\%$ and an equatorial column density of $\sim 3 \times10^{24}$ cm$^{-2}$. We find the need for an additional highly variable full-covering absorber with $N_{\text{H}}= 4-6 \times10^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$ in the line of sight, possibly associated with a hidden broad line region.

San Pedro Mártir observations of microvariability in obscured quasars

Fast brightness variations are a unique tool to probe the innermost regions of active galactic nuclei (AGN). These variations are called microvariability or intra-night variability, and this phenomenon has been monitored in samples of blazars and unobscured AGNs. Detecting optical microvariations in targets hidden by the obscuring torus is a challenging task because the region responsible for the variations is hidden from our sight. However, there have been reports of fast variations in obscured Seyfert galaxies in X-rays, which rises the question whether microvariations can also be detected in obscured AGNs in the optical regime. Because the expected variations are very small and can easily be lost within the noise, the analysis requires a statistical approach. We report the use of a one-way analysis of variance, ANOVA, with which we searched for microvariability. ANOVA was successfully employed in previous studies of unobscured AGNs. As a result, we found microvariable events during three observing blocks: in two we observed the same object (Mrk 477), and in another, J0759+5050. The results on Mrk 477 confirm previous findings. However, since Mrk 477 is quite a peculiar target with hidden broad-line regions, we cannot rule out the possibility that we have serendipitously chosen a target prone to variations.

THE DIFFERENCES IN THE TORUS GEOMETRY BETWEEN HIDDEN AND NON-HIDDEN BROAD LINE ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

We present results from the fitting of infrared (IR) spectral energy distributions of 21 active galactic nuclei (AGN) with clumpy torus models. We compiled high spatial resolution ($\sim 0.3$--$0.7$ arcsec) mid-IR $N$-band spectroscopy, $Q$-band imaging and nuclear near- and mid-IR photometry from the literature. Combining these nuclear near- and mid-IR observations, far-IR photometry and clumpy torus models, enables us to put constraints on the torus properties and geometry. We divide the sample into three types according to the broad line region (BLR) properties; type-1s, type-2s with scattered or hidden broad line region (HBLR) previously observed, and type-2s without any published HBLR signature (NHBLR). Comparing the torus model parameters gives us the first quantitative torus geometrical view for each subgroup. We find that NHBLR AGN have smaller torus opening angles and larger covering factors than those of HBLR AGN. This suggests that the chance to observe scattered (polarized) flux from the BLR in NHBLR could be reduced by the dual effects of (a) less scattering medium due to the reduced scattering volume given the small torus opening angle and (b) the increased torus obscuration between the observer and the scattering region. These effects give a reasonable explanation for the lack of observed HBLR in some type-2 AGN.

The dichotomy of Seyfert 2 galaxies: intrinsic differences and evolution

We present a study of the local environment (<200 kpc/h) of 31 Hidden Broad Line Region (HBLR) and 43 non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2) in the nearby universe (z<0.04). To compare our findings, we constructed two control samples that match the redshift and the morphological type distribution of the HBLR and non-HBLR samples respectively. We used the NED (NASA extragalactic database) to find all neighboring galaxies within projected radius of 200 kpc/h around each galaxy, and radial velocity difference delta_u< 500 km/s. We find that, within a projected radius of at least 150 kpc/h around each Seyfert, the fraction of non-HBLR Sy2 galaxies with a close companion is significantly higher than that of their control sample, at the 96% confidence level. Interestingly, the difference is due to the high frequency of mergers in the non-HBLR sample, seven versus only one in the control sample, while also they present a high number of hosts with signs of peculiar morphology. In sharp contrast, the HBLR sample is consistent with its control sample and furthermore, the number of their host galaxies that present peculiar morphology, which probably implies some level of interactions or merging in the past, is the lowest in all four galaxy samples. Given that the HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies are essentially Seyfert 1 (Sy1), with their broad line region (BLR) hidden because of the obscuration by the torus, while the non-HBLR Sy2 sample probably also includes intrinsically different objects, like "true" Sy2s that lack the BLR, and heavily obscured objects that prohibit even its indirect detection, our results are discussed within the context of an evolutionary sequence of activity triggered by close galaxy interactions and merging. We argue that the non-HBLR Sy2 galaxies may represent different stages of this sequence, possibly the beginning and the end of the nuclear activity.

TESTING THE EVOLUTIONARY SEQUENCE BETWEEN HIDDEN BROAD-LINE REGION (HBLR) AND NON-HBLR SEYFERT 2 GALAXIES WITH THE 4000 Å BREAK STRENGTHS

We compare the 4000 A break (Dn (4000)) strength in the central kpc of hidden broad-line region (HBLR) and non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies to investigate the origin of these galaxies. Our results show that the Dn (4000) strengths in the nuclear regions of the non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies are larger than those in the HBLR galaxies. We also show that the Dn (4000) strength is not related to the morphology of host galaxies. These results imply that the non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies have an older stellar population in nuclear regions than the HBLR galaxies. This suggests that an evolutionary connection might exist between non-HBLR and HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies. We propose a potential evolutionary scenario and a modified unification model for Seyfert galaxies. In this scheme, Seyfert 1 and HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies evolve into unabsorbed and absorbed non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies. We also discuss the implications of our results in the hydrogen column density distribution of the non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies.

THE DIAGNOSTICS AND POSSIBLE EVOLUTION IN ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI ASSOCIATED WITH STARBURST GALAXIES

We present a large sample which contains 45 Seyfert 1 galaxies (Sy1s), 46 hidden broad-line region (HBLR) Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2s), 57 non-HBLR Sy2s, and 22 starburst galaxies to distinguish their properties and to seek the possible evolution of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and starburst galaxies. We show that (1) using a plot of [O III] {\l}5007/H/alpha versus [N II] {\l}6584/H/alpha of standard optical spectral diagnostic diagrams, we find that a equation can separate well non-HBLR Sy2s and HBLR Sy2s; (2) the emission-line ratios and both the combination of the ratios and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) strength are utilized effectively to separate starburst galaxies and Seyfert galaxies; (3) we compare a number of quantities from the data and confirm well the separations with statistics; (4) on the basis of statistics, we suggest that HBLR Sy2s may be the counterparts of Sy1s at edge-on orientation. In addition, we discuss the possibility of starburst galaxies evolving to non-HBLR Sy2s and HBLR Sy2s and then evolving to Sy1s based on the statistical analysis.

IONIZATION MECHANISMS OF HBLR AND NON-HBLR SEYFERT 2 GALAXIES

We investigate the ionization mechanisms for hidden broad-line region (HBLR) and non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies by comparing some optical emission line ratios. We note that the [N II]6583/H_alpha ratio of the non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies is significantly higher than that of the HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies while other line ratios, such as [O III]/H_beta and [O I]/H_beta are similar. To probe the origin of this difference, we explore theoretical results of different ionization models, such as photoionization, starburst, and shock models. We find that none of these models can explain the high [N II]6583/H_alpha ratio of the non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies with solar abundance; the high [N II]6583/H_alpha must be reproduced from enhanced nitrogen abundance. Since nitrogen overabundance can be achieved from the dredge-up of red supergiants in the post-main-sequence stage, we suggest that the observed nitrogen overabundance of the non-HBLR Seyfert 2 might be caused by stellar evolution, and there could be an evolutionary connection between the HBLR and non-HBLR Seyfert 2 galaxies.

A UNIQUE X-RAY UNABSORBED SEYFERT 2 GALAXY: IRAS F01475-0740

X-ray unabsorbed Seyfert 2 galaxies appear to have X-ray absorption column densities that are too low (NH < 10^22 cm-2) to explain the absence of broad emission lines in their optical spectra, challenging the standard AGN unification model. In this paper we report Suzaku exposure on the X-ray unabsorbed Seyfert 2 galaxy IRAS F01475-0740, in which a hidden broad line region was detected through spectropolarimetric observation. The X-ray data show rapid and significant variations on time scales down to 5 ks, indicating that we are viewing its central engine directly. A newly obtained optical spectrum and previous optical/X-ray data suggest that state transition is unlikely in this source. These make IRAS F01475-0740 a very peculiar X-ray unabsorbed Seyfert 2 galaxy which can only be explained by absorption from materials with abnormally high dust-to-gas ratio (by a factor of > 4 larger than Galactic). This is in contrast to most AGNs, which typically show dust-to-gas ratios 3 - 100 times lower than the Galactic.

THE DIFFERENT NATURE OF SEYFERT 2 GALAXIES WITH AND WITHOUT HIDDEN BROAD-LINE REGIONS

We compile a large sample of 120 Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2s) which contains 49 hidden broad-line region (HBLR) Sy2s and 71 non-HBLR Sy2s. From the difference in the power sources between two groups, we test if HBLR Sy2s are dominated by active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and if non-HBLR Sy2s are dominated by starbursts. We show that: (1) HBLR Sy2s have larger accretion rates than non-HBLR Sy2s; (2) HBLR Sy2s have larger \Nev $\lambda 14.32$/\Neii $\lambda 12.81$ and \oiv $\lambda 25.89$/\Neii $\lambda 12.81$ line ratios than non-HBLR Sy2s; (3) HBLR Sy2s have smaller $IRAS$ $f_{60}/f_{25}$ flux ratio which shows the relative strength of the host galaxy and nuclear emission than non-HBLR Sy2s. So we suggest that HBLR Sy2s and non-HBLR Sy2s are AGN-dominated and starburst-dominated, respectively. In addition, non-HBLR Sy2s can be classified into the luminous ($L_{\rm [O III]}>10^{41} \rm ergs s^{-1}$) and less luminous ($L_{\rm [O III]}<10^{41} \rm ergs s^{-1}$) samples, when considering only their obscuration. We suggest that: (1) the invisibility of polarized broad lines (PBLs) in the luminous non-HBLR Sy2s depends on the obscuration; (2) the invisibility of PBLs in the less luminous non-HBLR Sy2s depends on the very low Eddington ratio rather than the obscuration.

ERRATUM: “INFRARED DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE EXTENDED 12 μm SAMPLE OF SEYFERTS” (2010, ApJ, 710, 289)

We present an analysis of Spitzer IRS spectroscopy of 83 active galaxies from the extended 12 micron sample. We find rank correlations between several tracers of star formation which suggest that (1) the PAH feature is a reliable tracer of star formation, (2) there is a significant contribution to the heating of the cool dust by stars, (3) the H$_2$ emission is also primarily excited by star formation. The 55-90 vs. 20-30 spectral index plot is also a diagnostic of the relative contribution of Starburst to AGN. We see there is a large change in spectral index across the sample. Thus, the contribution to the IR spectrum from the AGN and starburst components can be comparable in magnitude but the relative contribution also varies widely across the sample. We find rank correlations between several AGN tracers. We search for correlations between AGN and Starburst tracers and we conclude that the AGN and Starburst tracers are not correlated. This is consistent with our conclusion that the relative strength of the AGN and Starburst components varies widely across the sample. Thus, there is no simple link between AGN fueling and Black Hole Growth and star formation in these galaxies. The distribution of Sil 10 micron and 18 micron strengths is consistent with the clumpy torus models of Sirocky et al. We find a rank correlation between the [NeV] 14 micron line and the 6.7 micron continuum which may be due to an extended component of hot dust. The Sy 2s with a Hidden Broad Line Region (HBLR) have a higher ratio of AGN to Starburst contribution to the SED than Sy 2s without an HBLR. This may contribute to the detection of the HBLR in polarized light. The Sy 2s with an HBLR are more similar to the Sy 1s than they are to the Sy 2s without an HBLR.

INFRARED SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS OF SEYFERT GALAXIES: SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF THE 12 μm SAMPLE OF ACTIVE GALAXIES

The mid-far-infrared spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of 83 active galaxies, mostly Seyfert galaxies, selected from the extended 12 micron sample are presented. The data were collected using all three instruments, IRAC, IRS, and MIPS, aboard the Spitzer Space Telescope. The IRS data were obtained in spectral mapping mode, and the photometric data from IRAC and IRS were extracted from matched, 20 arcsec diameter circular apertures. The MIPS data were obtained in SED mode, providing very low resolution spectroscopy (R ~ 20) between ~ 55 and 90 microns in a larger, 20 by 30 arcsec synthetic aperture. We further present the data from a spectral decomposition of the SEDs, including equivalent widths and fluxes of key emission lines; silicate 10 and 18 micron emission and absorption strengths; IRAC magnitudes; and mid-far infrared spectral indices. Finally, we examine the SEDs averaged within optical classifications of activity. We find that the infrared SEDs of Seyfert 1s and Seyfert 2s with hidden broad line regions (HBLR, as revealed by spectropolarimetry or other technique) are qualitatively similar, except that Seyfert 1s show silicate emission and HBLR Seyfert 2s show silicate absorption. The infrared SEDs of other classes with the 12 micron sample, including Seyfert 1.8-1.9, non-HBLR Seyfert 2 (not yet shown to hide a type 1 nucleus), LINER and HII galaxies, appear to be dominated by star-formation, as evidenced by blue IRAC colors, strong PAH emission, and strong far-infrared continuum emission, measured relative to mid-infrared continuum emission.

INFRARED DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE EXTENDED 12 μm SAMPLE OF SEYFERTS

We present an analysis of Spitzer IRS spectroscopy of 83 active galaxies from the extended 12 mu m sample. We find rank correlations between several tracers of star formation which suggest that (1) the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon feature is a reliable tracer of star formation, (2) there is a significant contribution to the heating of the cool dust by stars, and (3) the H-2 emission is also primarily excited by star formation. The 55-90 versus 20-30 spectral index plot is also a diagnostic of the relative contribution of starburst to active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We see there is a large change in spectral index across the sample: Delta alpha similar to 3 for both indices. Thus, the contribution to the IR spectrum from the AGN and starburst components can be comparable in magnitude but the relative contribution also varies widely across the sample. We find rank correlations between several AGN tracers. We find correlations of the ratios [O III]lambda 5007/[O IV] 26 mu m and [O III]lambda 5007/[Ne V] 14 mu m with the silicate strength which we adopt as an orientation indicator. This suggests that some of the [O III]lambda 5007 emission in these Seyferts is subject to orientation dependent obscuration as found by Haas et al. for radio galaxies and quasars. There is no correlation of [Ne V] equivalent width with the silicate 10 mu m strength, indicating that the [Ne V] emission is not strongly orientation dependent. This suggests that the obscuring material (e.g., torus) is not very optically thick at 14 mu m consistent with the results of Buchanan et al. We search for correlations between AGN and starburst tracers and we conclude that the AGN and starburst tracers are not correlated. This is consistent with our conclusion that the relative strength of the AGN and starburst components varies widely across the sample. Thus, there is no simple link between AGN fueling and black hole growth and star formation in these galaxies. The density diagnostic [Ne V] 14/24 mu m and [S III] 18/33 mu m line ratios are consistent with the gas being near the low density limit, i.e., similar to 10(3) cm(-3) for [Ne V] and n(e) similar to few hundred cm(-3) for [S III]. The distribution of silicate 10 mu m and 18 mu m strengths is consistent with the clumpy torus models of Sirocky et al. We find a rank correlation between the [Ne V] 14 mu m line and the 6.7 mu m continuum which may be due to an extended component of hot dust. The Sy 2's with a hidden broad-line region (HBLR) have a higher ratio of AGN-to-starburst contribution to the spectral energy distribution than Sy 2's without an HBLR. This may contribute to the detection of the HBLR in polarized light. The Sy 2's with an HBLR are more similar to the Sy 1's than they are to the Sy 2's without an HBLR.

The Eddington Ratios in Seyfert 2 Galaxies with and without Hidden Broad‐Line Regions

Using a large sample of 90 Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2s) with spectropolarimetric observations, we test the suggestion that the presence of hidden broad-line regions (HBLRs) in Sy2s depends upon the Eddington ratio. The stellar velocity dispersion and extinction-corrected [O III] luminosity are used to derive the masses of central supermassive black holes and the Eddington ratio. We find that (1) below an Eddington ratio threshold of 10(-1.37), all of the objects but one are non-HBLR Sy2s, while at higher Eddington ratios there is no obvious distinction in the Eddington ratio and black hole mass distributions between Sy2s with and without HBLRs; (2) almost no low-luminosity Sy2s (e.g., L vertical bar O III vertical bar 10(41) ergs s(-1)), the detectability of HBLRs is very high, similar to 85%. These results suggest that AGN luminosity plays a major role in the failure to detect HBLRs in low-luminosity Sy2s, while for high-luminosity Sy2s the detectability of HBLRs depends not only upon the AGN activity, but also upon the torus obscuration.

ChandraObservations of Candidate “True” Seyfert 2 Nuclei

The unification model for AGNs posits that Seyfert 2 galaxies are intrinsically like Seyfert 1 galaxies, but that their broad-line regions (BLRs) are hidden from our view. A Seyfert 2 nucleus that truly lacked a BLR, instead of simply having it hidden, would be a so-called true Seyfert 2. No object has as yet been conclusively proven to be one. We present a detailed analysis of four of the best true Seyfert 2 candidates discovered to date: IC 3639, NGC 3982, NGC 5283, and NGC 5427. None of the four have a broad Hα emission line, in either direct or polarized light. All four have rich, high-excitation spectra, blue continua, and HST images showing them to be unresolved sources with no host-galaxy obscuration. To check for possible obscuration on scales smaller than that resolvable by HST, we obtained X-ray observations using Chandra. All four objects show evidence of obscuration and therefore could have hidden BLRs. The picture that emerges is of moderate to high, but not necessarily Compton-thick, obscuration of the nucleus, with extranuclear soft emission extended on the hundreds of parsec scale that may originate in the narrow-line region. Since the extended soft emission compensates, in part, for the nuclear soft emission lost to absorption, both absorption and luminosity are likely to be severely underestimated unless the X-ray spectrum is of sufficient quality to distinguish the two components. This is of special concern where the source is too faint to produce a large number of counts, or where the source is too far away to resolve the extended soft X-ray-emitting region.

Photometric Study of Galaxies with OH Megamasers in the Infrared

OH megamasers are the most luminous masers in the universe. The total of 109 OH megamaser (OHM) galaxies known so far have been collected, and cross-identifications of those OHM galaxies with Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) sources are made in this paper. Using 2MASS and IRAS data, the infrared properties of OHM-detected and nondetected sources are compared. It is shown that the main difference between those two kinds of sources is the infrared color from 25 to 60 μm. Statistically, the OHM-detected sources have redder colors and steeper spectral indices in the 25-60 μm region than the nondetected sources. In addition, considering the spectral types, the properties of the OHM galaxies in the near-infrared and far-infrared are discussed. It is found that Seyfert 1 and Seyfert 2 sources with hidden broad-line regions (BLRs) have redder colors and steeper spectral indices than other sources, including LINER, composite spectrum nucleus, and H II sources in the near-infrared region, whereas the latter have redder colors and steeper spectral indices than the Seyfert 1 and Seyfert 2 sources with hidden BLRs in the far-infrared. It is also found that almost all sources either with or without an identified spectral type show a starburst-dominated feature in the far-infrared, while a considerable number of sources, in particular Seyfert 1 and Seyfert 2 sources with hidden BLRs, show an active galactic nucleus-dominated feature in the near-infrared. Furthermore, as far-infrared radiation at 35 and 53 μm is likely responsible for the OH maser pumping in OHM galaxies, the pumping efficiencies in the infrared are also analyzed in this paper. It is found that, statistically, the pumping efficiencies increase with far-infrared color. It is also found that, statistically, the OH peak fluxes are not proportional to the related infrared fluxes at either 35 or 53 μm. This result implies that the pump lines are optically thin and the pump sources are unsaturated.

The Unified Model of Active Galactic Nuclei. I. Non–Hidden Broad‐Line Region Seyfert 2 and Narrow‐Line Seyfert 1 Galaxies

The unified model of Seyfert galaxies suggests that there are hidden broad-line regions (HBLRs) in Seyfert 2 galaxies (S2s). However, there is increasing evidence for the appearance of a subclass of S2s lacking of HBLR (non-HBLR S2s). An interesting issue arises as to relations of non-HBLR S2s with other types of Seyfert galaxies and whether or not they can be included in the unified model. We assemble two sub-samples consisting of 42 non-HBLR S2s and 44 narrow-line Seyfert 1s (NLS1s) with redshift $z\le 0.05$ from published literatures to explore this issue. We compare black hole masses in the galactic centers, accretion rates, infrared color ratio ($f_{60 \mu \rm m}/f_{25 \mu \rm m}$) as a potential indicator of the dusty torus orientation, \oiii $\lambda 5007$, radio and far infrared luminosities. We find that non-HBLR S2s and NLS1s have: 1) similar distributions of the black hole masses ($10^6-3\times 10^7\sunm$) and the Eddington ratios ($L_{\rm Bol}/L_{\rm Edd}\sim 1$); 2) significantly different distributions of $f_{60 \mu \rm m}/f_{25 \mu \rm m}$ ratios; 3) similar distributions of bulge magnitudes and luminosities of [O {\sc iii}], radio, far infrared emission. The similarities and differences can be understood naturally if they are intrinsically same but non-HBLR S2s are viewed at larger angles of observer's sight than NLS1s. We thus suggest that non-HBLR S2s only have narrower broad line regions and they are the counterparts of NLS1s viewed at high inclination angles. The absence of the polarized emission line in non-HBLR S2s is caused by the less massive black holes and high accretion rate similar to NLS1s. The implications of the unification scheme of non-HBLR S2s and NLS1s are discussed.

The Detectability of Seyfert 2 Galaxies with Hidden Broad-Line Regions

The detectability of Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2s) with hidden broad-line regions(HBLRs) is still a question open to debate. Using a large sample of 90 Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2s) with spectropolarimetric observations (Gu &amp; Huang 2002), we tested the suggestion that the presence of hidden broad-line regions (HBLRs) in Sy2s is dependent upon the Eddington ratio (Nicastro et al. 2003). The stellar velocity dispersion and the extinction-corrected [O III] luminosity are used to derive the masses of central super-massive black holes and the Eddington ratios. The main conclusion are summarized as follows.