High-ionization Lines Research Articles

Demystifying the coronal-line region of active galactic nuclei: spatially resolved spectroscopy with theHubble Space Telescope

We present an analysis of Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS)/Hubble Space Telescope optical spectra of a sample of 10 Seyfert galaxies aimed at studying the structure and physical properties of the coronal-line region (CLR). The high spatial resolution provided by STIS allowed us to resolve the CLR and obtain key information about the kinematics of the CL gas, measure directly its spatial scale, and study the mechanisms that drive the high-ionization lines. We find CLRs extending from just a few parsecs (⁠ pc) up to 230 pc in radius, consistent with the bulk of the coronal lines (CLs) originating between the broad-line region and narrow-line region (NLR), and extending into the NLR in the case of [Fe vii] and [Ne v] lines. The CL profiles strongly vary with the distance to the nucleus. We observed line splitting in the core of some of the galaxies. Line peak shifts, both redshift and blueshift, typically reached 500 km s−1, and even higher velocities (1000 km s−1) in some of the galaxies. In general, CLs follow the same pattern of rotation curves as low-ionization lines like [O iii]. From a direct comparison between the radio and the CL emission we find that neither the strength nor the kinematics of the CLs scales in any obvious and strong way with the radio jets. Moreover, the similarity of the flux distributions and kinematics of the CLs and low-ionization lines, the low temperatures derived for the gas, and the success of photoionization models to reproduce, within a factor of a few, the observed line ratios, point towards photoionization as the main driving mechanism of CLs.

SDSS J094533.99+100950.1 - the remarkable weak emission line quasar

Weak emission line quasars are a rare and puzzling group of objects. In this paper, we present one more object of this class found in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The quasar SDSS J094533.99+100950.1, lying at z= 1.66, has practically no C iv emission line, a red continuum very similar to the second steepest of the quasar composite spectra of Richards et al., is not strongly affected by absorption and the Mg ii line, although relatively weak, is strong enough to measure the black hole mass. The Eddington ratio in this object is about 0.45, and the line properties are not consistent with the trends expected at high accretion rates. We propose that the most probable explanation of the line properties in this object, and perhaps in all weak emission line quasars, is that the quasar activity has just started. A disc wind is freshly launched so the low ionization lines which form close to the disc surface are already observed but the wind has not yet reached the regions where high ionization lines or narrow line components are formed. The relatively high occurrence of such a phenomenon may additionally indicate that the quasar active phase consists of several subphases, each starting with a fresh build-up of the broad-line region.

LOW-REDSHIFT Lyα SELECTED GALAXIES FROMGALEXSPECTROSCOPY: A COMPARISON WITH BOTH UV-CONTINUUM SELECTED GALAXIES AND HIGH-REDSHIFT Lyα EMITTERS,,

We construct a sample of low-redshift Ly-alpha emission-line selected sources from GALEX grism spectroscopy of nine deep fields to study the role of Ly-alpha emission in galaxy populations with cosmic time. Our final sample consists of 119 (141) sources selected in the redshift interval z=0.195-0.44 (z=0.65-1.25) from the FUV (NUV) channel. We classify the Ly-alpha sources as AGNs if high-ionization emission lines are present in their UV spectra and as possible star-forming galaxies otherwise. We classify additional sources as AGNs using line widths for our Ly-alpha emitter (LAE) analysis. These classifications are broadly supported by comparisons with X-ray and optical spectroscopic observations. Defining the GALEX LAE sample in the same way as high-redshift LAE samples, we show that LAEs constitute only about 5% of NUV-continuum selected galaxies at z~0.3. We also show that they are less common at z~0.3 than they are at z~3. We find that the z~0.3 optically-confirmed Ly-alpha galaxies lie below the metallicity-luminosity relation of the z~0.3 NUV-continuum selected galaxies but have similar H-alpha velocity widths at similar luminosities, suggesting that they also lie below the metallicity-mass relation of the NUV-continuum selected galaxies. We show that, on average, the Ly-alpha galaxies have bluer colors, lower extinctions as measured from the Balmer line ratios, and more compact morphologies than the NUV-continuum selected galaxies. Finally, we confirm that the z~2 Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) have relatively low metallicities for their luminosities, and we find that they lie in the same metallicity range as the z~0.3 Ly-alpha galaxies.

A COMPARISON OF X-RAY AND MID-INFRARED SELECTION OF OBSCURED ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

We compare the relative merits of AGN selection at X-ray and mid-infrared wavelengths using data from moderately deep fields observed by both Chandra and Spitzer. The X-ray-selected AGN sample and associated optical follow-up are drawn from the SEXSI program. Mid-infrared data in these fields are derived from Spitzer imaging, and mid-infrared AGN selection is accomplished primarily through application of the IRAC color-color AGN `wedge' selection technique. Nearly all X-ray sources in these fields which exhibit clear spectroscopic signatures of AGN activity have mid-infrared colors consistent with IRAC AGN selection. These are predominantly the most luminous X-ray sources. X-ray sources that lack high-ionization and/or broad lines in their optical spectra are far less likely to be selected as AGN by mid-infrared color selection techniques. The fraction of X-ray sources identified as AGN in the mid-infrared increases monotonically as the X-ray luminosity increases. Conversely, only 22% of mid-infrared-selected AGN are detected at X-ray energies in the moderately deep (~100 ks) Chandra data. We hypothesize that the IRAC AGN that lack X-ray detections are predominantly high-luminosity AGN that are obscured and/or lie at high redshift. A stacking analysis of X-ray-undetected sources shows that objects in the mid-infrared AGN selection wedge have average X-ray fluxes in the 2-8 keV band three times higher than sources that fall outside the wedge. Their X-ray spectra are also harder. It is evident from this comparative study that in order to create a complete, unbiased census of supermassive black hole growth and evolution, a combination of sensitive infrared, X-ray and hard X-ray selection is required. We conclude by discussing what samples will be provided by upcoming survey missions such as WISE, eROSITA, and NuSTAR.

THE FIRST DETECTION OF [O IV] FROM AN ULTRALUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCE WITHSPITZER. II. EVIDENCE FOR HIGH LUMINOSITY IN HOLMBERG II ULX

This is the second of two papers examining Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph observations of the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) in Holmberg II. Here, we perform detailed photoionization modeling of the infrared lines. Our analysis suggests that the luminosity and morphology of the [O iv] 25.89 μm emission line is consistent with photoionization by the soft X-ray and far ultraviolet (FUV) radiation from the accretion disk of the binary system and inconsistent with narrow beaming. We show that the emission nebula is matter-bounded both in the line-of-sight direction and to the east, and probably radiation-bounded to the west. A bolometric luminosity in excess of 1040 erg s−1 would be needed to produce the measured [O iv] flux. We use modeling and previously published studies to conclude that shocks likely contribute very little, if at all, to the high-ionization line fluxes observed in the Holmberg II ULX. Additionally, we find that the spectral type of the companion star has a surprisingly strong effect on the predicted strength of the [O iv] emission. This finding could explain the origin of [O iv] in some starburst systems containing black hole binaries.

The ongoing 2008���09 outburst of CI Cyg

In this paper, we discuss the early phases of the ongoing outburst that CI Cyg, a prototype symbiotic star, is currently undergoing after 30-year quiescence. We have tightly monitored CI Cyg in B V R c I c bands, starting a whole year before the onset of the outburst, and in addition we obtained numerous Echelle high- and low-resolution absolutely flux-calibrated spectra. The outburst started while the accreting white dwarf (WD) was being eclipsed by the Roche lobe filling M giant companion, and it was discovered during the egress phase on the second half of 2008 August. The system reached peak V-band brightness in early 2008 October and has been characterized by amplitudes ΔB = 1.9, ΔV = 1.5, ΔR C = 0.9, ΔI C = 0.4 mag. At maximum V-band brightness, the outbursting WD had expanded to closely resemble an F3 II/Ib star, with M v = -3.5, T eff ∼ 6900 K and R = 28 R ☉ . The high-ionization emission lines ([Ne v], [Fe VII], He II) disappeared and only lower ionization lines were visible. Balmer and He I emission lines declined in equivalent width but increased in absolute flux. The output radiated by the hot component during the outburst corresponds to nuclear burning proceeding at a 2 x 10 -8 M ☉ yr -1 rate.

PROBING THE EXCITATION OF EXTREME STARBURSTS: HIGH-RESOLUTION MID-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY OF BLUE COMPACT DWARFS

We present an analysis of the mid-infrared emission lines for a sample of 12 low metallicity Blue Compact Dwarf (BCD) galaxies based on high resolution observations obtained with Infrared Spectrograph on board the {\rm Spitzer} Space Telescope. We compare our sample with a local sample of typical starburst galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGNs), to study the ionization field of starbursts over a broad range of physical parameters and examine its difference from the one produced by AGN. The high-ionization line [OIV]25.89$\mu$m is detected in most of the BCDs, starbursts, and AGNs in our sample. We propose a diagnostic diagram of the line ratios [OIV]25.89$\mu$m/[SIII]33.48$\mu$m as a function of [NeIII]15.56$\mu$m/[NeII]12.81$\mu$m which can be useful in identifying the principal excitation mechanism in a galaxy. Galaxies in this diagram split naturally into two branches. Classic AGNs as well as starburst galaxies with an AGN component populate the upper branch, with stronger AGNs displaying higher [NeIII]/[NeII] ratios. BCDs and pure starbursts are located in the lower branch. We find that overall the placement of galaxies on this diagram correlates well with their corresponding locations in the log([NII]/H$\alpha$) vs. log([OIII]/H$\beta$) diagnostic diagram, which has been widely used in the optical. The two diagrams provide consistent classifications of the excitation mechanism in a galaxy. On the other hand, the diagram of [NeIII]15.56$\mu$m/[NeII]12.81$\mu$m vs. [SIV]10.51$\mu$m/[SIII]18.71$\mu$m is not as efficient in separating AGNs from BCDs and pure starbursts. (abridged)

Highly Ionized Gas as a Diagnostic of the Inner NLR

AbstractThe spectra of AGN, from the ultraviolet to the near infrared, exhibit emission lines covering a wide range of ionization states, from neutral species such as [O i] λ 6300, up to [Fe iv] λ 5303. Here we report on some recent studies of the properties of highly ionized lines (HILs), plus two case studies of individual objects. Future IFU observations at high spatial and good spectral resolution will probe the excitation and kinematics of the gas in the zone between the extended NLR and unresolved BLR. Multi-component SED fitting can be used to link the source of photoionization with the strengths and ratios of the HILs.

On the Physical Mechanism Underlying PC1 and Baldwin Effect in Quasars

Recent work (Baskin & Laor 2004; Dong et al. 2009a, b) suggests that the Eddington ratio (l ≡ L/LEdd) is the origin of all the significant first-order object-to-object variations of quasar spectral properties from the zeroth-order similarity of AGN spectra; specifically, this includes the PC1 of Boroson & Green (1992), the classic or inverse Baldwin effect (Baldwin 1977), and even blueshifting (i.e., blue asymmetry) of high-ionization emission lines (Dong et al. 2009c).

On the Relation Between Black Hole Mass and Velocity Dispersion in Type 1 and Type 2 AGN

AbstractWe present results from infrared spectroscopic projects that aim to test the relation between the mass of a black hole MBH and the velocity dispersion of the stars in its host-galaxy bulge. We demonstrate that near-infrared, high-resolution spectroscopy assisted by adaptive optics is key in populating the high-luminosity end of the relation. We show that the velocity dispersions of mid-infrared, high-ionization lines originating from gas in the narrow-line region of the active galactic nucleus follow the same relation. This result provides a way of inferring MBH estimates for the cosmologically significant population of obscured, type 2 AGN that can be applicable to data from spectrographs on next-generation infrared telescopes.

The Coronal Emission-Line Region in AGNs: A Hubble Space Telescope View

AbstractWe present a study of HST/STIS optical spectra of a sample of ten Seyfert galaxies aimed at analyzing the structure and physical properties of the coronal line region. The high spatial resolution provided by STIS (about 7 pc for the closest objects) allowed us to resolve the coronal line region and obtain key information about the kinematics of the coronal-line gas, measure directly its spatial scale, and study the mechanisms that drive the high-ionization lines.

The spectroscopic evolution of V459 Vul (Nova Vul 2007 #2)

We report the spectroscopic follow-up of the nova V459 Vul carried out at the Loiano Observatory, Italy, at three epochs after the outburst. The spectroscopy showed high ionization lines of iron. The photometry has been used to estimate the absolute magnitude at maximum and the distance of the nova. V459 Vul is a fast nova, with decline times by two and three magnitudes of 18 and 30 days respectively. The nova achieved an absolute magnitude at maximum of −8.7…−7.7. The distance of V459 Vul is in the range 2.3–5.0 kpc.

NTT,SPITZER, ANDCHANDRASPECTROSCOPY OF SDSSJ095209.56+214313.3: THE MOST LUMINOUS CORONAL-LINE SUPERNOVA EVER OBSERVED, OR A STELLAR TIDAL DISRUPTION EVENT?

The galaxy SDSSJ095209.56+214313.3 (SDSSJ0952+2143 hereafter) showed remarkable emission-line and continuum properties and strong emission-line variability first reported in 2008 (Paper I). The spectral properties and low-energy variability are the consequence of a powerful high-energy flare which was itself not observed directly. Here we report follow-up optical, near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and X-ray observations of SDSSJ0952+2143. We discuss outburst scenarios in terms of stellar tidal disruption by a supermassive black hole, peculiar variability of an active galactic nucleus (AGN), and a supernova (SN) explosion, and possible links between these scenarios and mechanisms. The optical spectrum of SDSSJ0952+2143 exhibits several peculiarities: an exceptionally high ratio of [Fe vii] transitions over [O iii], a dramatic decrease by a factor of 10 of the highest-ionization coronal lines, a very unusual and variable Balmer line profile including a triple-peaked narrow component with two unresolved horns, and a large Balmer decrement. The MIR emission measured with the Spitzer IRS in the narrow 10–20 μm band is extraordinarily luminous and amounts to L10-20 μm = 3.5 × 1043 erg s−1. The IRS spectrum shows a bump around ∼11 μm and an increase toward longer wavelengths, reminiscent of silicate emission. The strong MIR excess over the NIR implies the dominance of relatively cold dust. The pre- and post-flare NIR host galaxy colors indicate a nonactive galaxy. The X-ray luminosity of Lx,0.1-10 keV = 1041 erg s−1 measured with Chandra is below that typically observed in AGNs. Similarities of SDSSJ0952+2143 with some extreme SNe suggest the explosion of a SN of Type IIn. However, an extreme accretion event in a low-luminosity AGN or inactive galaxy, especially stellar tidal disruption, remain possibilities, which could potentially produce a very similar emission-line response. If indeed a SN, SDSSJ0952+2143 is one of the most distant X-ray- and MIR-detected SNe known so far, the most MIR luminous, and one of the most X-ray luminous. It is also by far the most luminous (>1040 erg s−1) in high-ionization coronal lines, exceeding previous SNe by at least a factor of 100.

ACHANDRAVIEW OF NGC 3621: A BULGELESS GALAXY HOSTING AN AGN IN ITS EARLY PHASE?

We report the detection of a weak X-ray point-source coincident with the nucleus of the bulgeless disk galaxy NGC 3621, recently discovered by Spitzer to display high-ionization mid-infrared lines typically associated with active galactic nucleus (AGN). These Chandra observations provide confirmation for the presence of an AGN in this galaxy, adding to the growing evidence that black holes do form and grow in isolated bulgeless disk galaxies. Although the low signal-to-noise ratio of the X-ray spectrum prevents us from carrying out a detailed spectral analysis of the nuclear source, the X-ray results, combined with the IR and optical spectroscopic results, suggests that NGC 3621 harbors a heavily absorbed AGN, with a supermassive black hole of relatively small mass accreting at a high rate. Chandra also reveals the presence of two bright sources straddling the nucleus located almost symmetrically at 20'' from the center. Both sources have 0.5-8 keV spectra that are well fitted by an absorbed power-law model. Assuming they are at the distance of NGC 3621, these two sources have luminosities of the order of 10{sup 39} erg s{sup -1}, which make them ultraluminous X-ray sources and suggest that they are black hole systems. Estimates of the black holemore » mass based on the X-ray spectral analysis and scaling laws of black hole systems suggest that the two bright sources might be intermediate mass black holes with M{sub BH} of the order of a few thousand solar masses. However, higher quality X-ray data combined with multiwavelength observations are necessary to confirm these conclusions.« less

Double-peaked emission lines as a probe of the broad-line regions of active galactic nuclei

Broad, double-peaked, Balmer emission lines are found in the optical spectra of a relatively small fraction of active galactic nuclei. They can be an extremely useful diagnostic for the structure and dynamics of the “broad-line region” (the medium that emits the broad emission lines). In general terms the rarity and shapes of their profiles provide strong constraints on universal models of the broad-line region. A series of observational tests and basic physical considerations suggest that these lines are emitted from a flat, rotating disk, very likely the outer parts of the accretion disk that fuels the black hole. In the context of models for accretion disk winds, double-peaked emission lines originate in disks with feeble winds of low optical depth. Therefore, they provide evidence that the outer accretion disk and its associated wind are the source of the broad emission lines. Within this framework, double-peaked Balmer emission lines and corresponding high-ionization lines in the near-ultraviolet allow us to study the conditions under which the winds become dense and the onset of significant outflows. Moreover, double-peaked emission lines give us a direct view of the dense material of the disk proper and allow us to study dynamical perturbations and other transient behavior though the long-term variability of their profiles.

What broad emission lines tell us about how active galactic nuclei work

I review progress made in understanding the nature of the broad-line region (BLR) of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and the role BLRs play in the AGN phenomenon. The high equivalent widths of the lines imply a high BLR covering factor, and the absence of clear evidence for absorption by the BLR means that the BLR has a flattened distribution and that we always view it near pole-on. The BLR gas is strongly self-shielding near the equatorial plane. Velocity-resolved reverberation mapping has long strongly excluded significant outflow of the BLR and shows instead that the predominant motions are Keplerian with large turbulence and a significant net inflow. The rotation and turbulence are consistent with the inferred geometry. The blueshifting of high-ionization lines is a consequence of scattering off inflowing material rather than the result of an outflowing wind. The rate of inflow of the BLR is sufficient to provide the accretion rate needed to power the AGN. Because the motions of the BLR are gravitationally dominated, and the BLR structure is very similar in most AGNs, consistent black hole masses can be determined. The good correlation between these estimates and masses predicted from the bulge luminosities of host galaxies provides strong support for the similarity of AGN continuum shapes and the correctness of the BLR picture presented. It is concluded that although many mysteries remain about the details of how AGNs work, a general overall picture of the torus and BLR is becoming clear.

AGN with strong forbidden high-ionization lines selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We have defined a sample of 63 AGN with strong forbidden high-ionisation line (FHIL) emission. These lines, with ionisation potentials >~ 100eV, respond to a portion of the spectrum that is often difficult to observe directly, thereby providing constraints on the EUV-soft X-ray continuum. The sources are selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) on the basis of their [Fe X]6374A emission, yielding one of the largest and the most homogeneous sample of FHIL-emitting galaxies. We fit a sequence of models to both FHILs ([Fe XI], [Fe X] and [Fe VII]) and lower-ionisation emission lines ([O III], [O I], H-alpha, [N II], [S II]) in the SDSS spectra. These data are combined with X-ray measurements from Rosat, which are available for half of the sample. The correlations between these parameters are discussed for both the overall sample and subsets defined by spectroscopic classifications. The primary results are evidence that: (1) the [Fe X] and [Fe XI] lines are photoionised and their strength is proportional to the continuum flux around 250 eV; (2) the FHIL-emitting clouds form a stratified outflow in which the [Fe X] and [Fe XI] source regions extend sufficiently close to the BLR that they are partially obscured in Seyfert 2s whereas the [Fe VII] source region is more extended and is unaffected by obscuration; (3) narrow-lined Seyfert 1s (NLS1s) tend to have the strongest [Fe X] flux (relative to lower-ionisation lines); and (4) the most extreme [Fe X] ratios (such as [Fe X]/[O III] or [Fe X]/[Fe VII]) are found in the NLS1s with the narrowest broad lines and appear to be an optical-band indication of objects with strong X-ray soft excesses.

X-RAY INSIGHTS INTO THE NATURE OF WEAK EMISSION-LINE QUASARS AT HIGH REDSHIFT

We present Chandra observations of nine high-redshift quasars (z=2.7-5.9) discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey with weak or undetectable high-ionization emission lines in their UV spectra (WLQs). Adding archival X-ray observations of six additional sources of this class has enabled us to place the strongest constraints yet on the X-ray properties of this remarkable class of AGNs. Although our data cannot rule out the possibility that the emission lines are overwhelmed by a relativistically boosted continuum, as manifested by BL Lac objects, we find that WLQs are considerably weaker in the X-ray and radio bands than the majority of BL Lacs found at much lower redshifts. If WLQs are high-redshift BL Lacs, then it is difficult to explain the lack of a large parent population of X-ray and radio bright weak-lined sources at high redshift. We also consider the possibility that WLQs are quasars with extreme properties, and in particular that the emission lines are suppressed by high accretion rates. Using joint spectral fitting of the X-ray spectra of 11 WLQs we find that the mean photon index in the hard X-ray band is consistent with those observed in typical radio-quiet AGNs with no hint of an unusually steep hard-X-ray spectrum. This result poses a challenge to the hypothesis that WLQs have extremely high accretion rates, and we discuss additional observations required to test this idea.

EXPLORING THE DISK-JET CONNECTION FROM THE PROPERTIES OF NARROW-LINE REGIONS IN POWERFUL YOUNG RADIO-LOUD ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

We investigate the optical emission-line flux ratios of narrow-line regions, in order to determine whether the formation of AGN jets requires specific accretion conditions. We find that bright compact radio galaxies, which are powerful radio galaxies in the early stage of the jet activity, exhibit systematically larger flux ratios of [O{\sc i}]$\lambda$6300/[O{\sc iii}]$\lambda$5007 and smaller flux ratios of [O{\sc iii}]$\lambda$5007/[O{\sc iii}]$\lambda$4363 than radio-quiet (RQ) Seyfert 2 galaxies. Comparing the observed line ratios with photoionization models, it is found that the difference in the flux ratio of low- to high-ionization lines (e.g., [O{\sc i}]$\lambda$6300/[O{\sc iii}]$\lambda$5007) can be well understood by the difference in the spectral energy distribution (SED) of ionizing sources. Powerful young radio-loud (YRL) AGNs favor SED without a strong big blue bump, i.e., a radiatively inefficient accretion flow (RIAF), while RQ AGNs are consistent with the models adopting SED with a strong big blue bump, i.e., a geometrically thin, optically thick disk. These findings imply that the formation of powerful AGN jets requires the accretion disk with harder ionizing SED (i.e., a RIAF). We discuss the obscuring structure of YRL AGNs as a plausible origin of the difference in flux ratios of [O{\sc iii}]$ \lambda$5007/[O{\sc iii}]$\lambda$4363.

The location and kinematics of the coronal-line emitting regions in active galactic nuclei

Abstract We use the photoionization code cloudy to determine both the location and the kinematics of the optical forbidden, high-ionization line (hereafter, FHIL) emitting gas in the narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy Ark 564. The results of our models are compared with the observed properties of these emission lines to produce a physical model that is used to explain both the kinematics and the source of this gas. The main features of this model are that the FHIL emitting gas is launched from the putative dusty torus and is quickly accelerated to its terminal velocity of a few hundred km s-1. Iron-carrying grains are destroyed during this initial acceleration. This velocity is maintained by a balance between radiative forces and gravity in this super-Eddington source. Eventually the outflow is slowed at large radii by the gravitational forces of and interactions with the host galaxy. In this model, FHIL emission traces the transition between the active galactic nucleus (AGN) and bulge zones of influence.