Investigating the nature of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies with high-energy spectral complexity

(abridged) With the commissioning of XMM came the discovery of 2.5-10 keV spectral complexity in some narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1). In this work, we define two samples of NLS1: a complex sample whose members exhibit high-energy complexity (C-sample), and a general sample of NLS1 whose 2.5-10 keV spectra do not strongly deviate from a simple power law (S-sample). Considering historical light curves of each object we find that the C-sample is representative of NLS1 in a low X-ray flux state, whereas the members of the S-sample appear to be in a typical flux state. Moreover, from measurements of alpha_ox with contemporaneous UV/X-ray data, we find that the C-sample of NLS1 appear X-ray weaker at the time of the observation. For two NLS1 in the C-sample multi-epoch measurements of alpha_ox are available and suggest that alpha_ox approaches more normal values as the complexity between 2.5-10 keV diminishes. This implies that a source could transit from one sample to the other as its X-ray flux varies. Secondly, there are indications that the C-sample sources, on average, exhibit stronger optical FeII emission, with the three most extreme (FeII/H_beta > 1.8) FeII emitters all displaying complexity in the 2.5-10 keV band. However, it is not clear if the possible connection between FeII strength and spectral complexity is due to the FeII producing mechanism or because strong FeII emitters may exhibit the greatest variability and consequently more likely to be caught in an extreme (low) flux state. Based on the current analysis it we can not straightforwardly dismiss absorption or reflection as the cause of the X-ray complexity.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA

X-rays from the radio-quiet quasar PG 1407+265: relativistic jet or accretion disc emission?

We present two XMM-Newton observations of the luminous (L_x > 10^46 erg/s), radio-quiet quasar, PG 1407+265, separated by eleven months. The data indicate two distinct states: a highly variable, bright state (first epoch); and a quiescent, low-flux one (second epoch). During the low-flux state the spectrum is consistent with a single, unabsorbed power law. However, during the brighter state a highly variable, steep component is statistically required. Contemporaneous UV data from the Optical Monitor allow an estimate of the optical-to-X-ray spectral index (alpha_ox), which appears typical of radio-quiet quasars during the low-flux state, but extremely flat during the high-flux state. The XMM-Newton data can be described as originating from a combination of jet and accretion disc processes, in which the (relativistic) X-ray jet only works intermittently. The scenario could help describe some of the complexities seen in the broadband spectral energy distribution of PG 1407+265, such as weak high-ionisation emission lines, strong Fe II, unbeamed continuum, and the weak radio emission relative to the optical.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS. Correction made to reported aox value. No changes in conclusion

How well can we measure supermassive black hole spin?

Being one of only two fundamental properties black holes possess, the spin of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) is of great interest for understanding accretion processes and galaxy evolution. However, in these early days of spin measurements, consistency and reproducibility of spin constraints have been a challenge. Here we focus on X-ray spectral modelling of active galactic nuclei (AGN), examining how well we can truly return known reflection parameters such as spin under standard conditions. We have created and fit over 4000 simulated Seyfert 1 spectra each with 375$\pm$1k counts. We assess the fits with reflection fraction of $R$ = 1 as well as reflection-dominated AGN with $R$ = 5. We also examine the consequence of permitting fits to search for retrograde spin. In general, we discover that most parameters are over-estimated when spectroscopy is restricted to the 2.5 - 10.0 keV regime and that models are insensitive to inner emissivity index and ionization. When the bandpass is extended out to 70keV, parameters are more accurately estimated. Repeating the process for $R$ = 5 reduces our ability to measure photon index ($\sim$3 to 8 per cent error and overestimated), but increases precision in all other parameters -- most notably ionization, which becomes better constrained ($\pm$45 erg cm $\rm{s^{-1}}$) for low ionization parameters ($\xi$$<$200 erg cm $\rm{s^{-1}}$). In all cases, we find the spin parameter is only well measured for the most rapidly rotating supermassive black holes (i.e. $a$ $>$ 0.8 to about $\pm$0.10) and that inner emissivity index is never well constrained. Allowing our model to search for retrograde spin did not improve the results.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 13 pages, 7 figure

The origin of blue-shifted absorption features in the X-ray spectrum of PG 1211+143: Outflow or disc?

In some radio-quiet active galaxies (AGN), high-energy absorption features in the x-ray spectra have been interpreted as Ultrafast Outflows (UFOs) -- highly ionised material (e.g. Fe XXV and Fe XXVI) ejected at mildly relativistic velocities. In some cases, these outflows can carry energy in excess of the binding energy of the host galaxy. Needless to say, these features demand our attention as they are strong signatures of AGN feedback and will influence galaxy evolution. For the same reason, alternative models need to be discussed and refuted or confirmed. Gallo & Fabian proposed that some of these features could arise from resonance absorption of the reflected spectrum in a layer of ionised material located above and corotating with the accretion disc. Therefore, the absorbing medium would be subjected to similar blurring effects as seen in the disc. A priori, the existence of such plasma above the disc is as plausible as a fast wind. In this work, we highlight the ambiguity by demonstrating that the absorption model can describe the ~7.6 keV absorption feature (and possibly other features) in the quasar PG 1211+143, an AGN that is often described as a classic example of an UFO. In this model, the 2-10 keV spectrum would be largely reflection dominated (as opposed to power law dominated in the wind models) and the resonance absorption would be originating in a layer between about 6 and 60 gravitational radii. The studies of such features constitutes a cornerstone for future X-ray observatories like Astro-H and Athena+. Should our model prove correct, or at least important in some cases, then absorption will provide another diagnostic tool with which to probe the inner accretion flow with future missions.Comment: 4 pages. Accepted for publication in MNRAS Letter

Driving extreme variability: The evolving corona and evidence for jet launching in Markarian 335

Variations in the X-ray emission from the narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy, Markarian 335 (Mrk 335), are studied on both long and short timescales through observations made between 2006 and 2013 with XMM-Newton, Suzaku and NuSTAR. Changes in the geometry and energetics of the corona that give rise to this variability are inferred through measurements of the relativistically blurred reflection seen from the accretion disc. On long timescales, we find that during the high flux epochs the corona has expanded, covering the inner regions of the accretion disc out to a radius of 26(-7,+10)rg. The corona contracts to within 12rg and 5rg in the intermediate and low flux epochs, respectively. While the earlier high flux observation made in 2006 is consistent with a corona extending over the inner part of the accretion disc, a later high flux observation that year revealed that the X-ray source had become collimated into a vertically-extended jet-like corona and suggested relativistic motion of material upward. On short timescales, we find that an X-ray flare during a low flux epoch in 2013 corresponded to a reconfiguration from a slightly extended corona to one much more compact, within just 2~3rg of the black hole. There is evidence that during the flare itself, the spectrum softened and the corona became collimated and slightly extended vertically as if a jet-launching event was aborted. Understanding the evolution of the X-ray emitting corona may reveal the underlying mechanism by which the luminous X-ray sources in AGN are powered.Comment: 21 pages, 9 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA